I'm 15 and want to run away

[Unknown]

In Oregon what are the laws of runaways when the girl is pregnant? Do they change at all? Or are they the same? Like if I got pregnant living on the streets after I run away are they more or less likely to come get me?

[ccsmod15]

Re: I'm 15 and want to run away

Thanks so much for contacting us. It is great that you are trying to gather some information about this matter. While we are not legal experts here, in general running away, pregnant or not, can spark several scenarios if you are considered a minor in the state.

If a minor is to run away from home, the parents/legal guardians of the minor can file a runaway report. What this means is that if they know where you are, they may be able to have the police pick you up and charge you with a status offense since you are under the age of 18. If your parents don’t know where you are, then the only way the police would be able to find you is if you were to be picked up by them for another reason, such as illegal activities. Also, anyone who you go to stay with may also get in trouble if the police for helping a runaway.

We know this is a lot of information to think about, but we hope that it helps answer your questions. We do have a 24/7 confidential hotline if you ever need to talk or look for resources. We wish you good luck!!

[Guest]

I don't know what to do anymore. I got caught smoking in school my parents found out and I admit I'm not a good kid, but I dunno what to do my parents keep saying how much of a dissapointment I am and that I'm a ******** up etc, all they do is punish me now they want to put me In a boarding school. I've been kicked out my last school now finally settled down in my new one and they want me to move. I need help I'm also thinking about doing something 'stupid' they are grounding me for ever and said they are never letting me out ever again. I need help, I'm sitting here crying I can't do this anymore. I want to run far...

[ccsmod6]

Hi,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out to us here at the National Runaway Safeline! We are so sorry to hear about how everything at home is going. It must be really hard to hear your parents say all of those things about you, we can only imagine how all of that makes you feel. It must make you feel pretty isolated and alone since all they do is punish you and are considering sending you to a boarding school, especially since you just settled into your new one.

Everything you are going through sounds really stressful, so one thing that could help take all that pressure off your shoulders is maybe either talking to a friend or family member about what you’re going through, or even a school counselor. Just having that person to listen to and lift you up when your parents say all of those things to you could really help you in terms of how you’re feeling about your life and yourself.

It’s understandable wanting to leave since everything is so stressful, but running away can be really tricky. If you are really considering it, it is best to come up with a set plan before leaving. A set plan includes things like how you would finish school, where you would go, how you would get money and eat, etc. It’s also important to talk about runaway laws. If you runaway under the age of 18 your parents have the legal right to file a runaway report. Although running away isn’t illegal, it is considered a status offense, so the police would be looking for you and if they found you they would likely take you back home.

If you want to talk more about what you’re going through please feel free to contact us again. Our hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY and we are opened 24/7, one of our liners would be more than happy to talk to you about your situation and make sure that you get all the help you need. We wish you the best of luck!