stuck

[Guest]

i really need to get out of my house asap. i turn 18 in 3 months but i don't know if i can wait that long! the emancipation process isn't worth the time anymore, and after doing research it seems as if my only available option would be to run away. i have a job, but it's minimum wage. on top of that, there's nothing illegal that my parents have done to convince to move out now. i just can't live here anymore. me and my mother don't get along and i can't stand to be around her anymore. ive been depressed for many years and self harming because of it.
what's the best way for me to get out of my house now? do you think the police will return me home to my parents even though i only have 3 months left?

[ccsmod15]

Hello –

Thank you for contacting us here at the National Runaway Safeline. We understand that it takes great courage to reach out. I’m sorry to hear that life at home has led you to want to run away, that sounds like a difficult situation to deal with.

Having a place to stay to ensure that you are safe is very important. While we are not legal experts, running away is not considered illegal. However, since you are a minor, your guardians have the right to file a runaway report. With a runaway report, if the police find you they would return you home unless you express to them that you live in an unsafe environment. If you left home and decided to stay with a friend, they could get in trouble for harboring a runaway. The truth is, every police department handles runaways differently, and given you are so close to being the age of majority they may not actively search for you if you were to leave home. To learn more about the process of running away you can also call the National Center of Homeless Education Hotline at 1-800-308-2145.

If you would like to discuss the reasons as to why you want to runaway or you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us directly via our 24 hour crisis hotline (1-800-786-2929), email, or live chat.

We hope the information provided helps. Remember we are available 24/7 and can be toll-free reached at the number listed above. We are confidential, anonymous, and non-direct.

Best Wishes

~NRS