Moving out a month before I'm 18

[Guest]

I’m 17 and turning 18 next June. I live in India .my parents have been forcing their religion onto me for 17 yrs. my parents got to know about my relationship with my bf who is from another religion. I don’t want to stay at home anymore on my 18th birthday will the police in India give me civil standby when I move out.

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.
We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help.

The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. Since you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: http://www.childhelplineinternationa...where-we-work/

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Im 17 I turn 18 in November I have 2 children an live at home with my mother who is very toxic an also a drug user when she doesn't have her drugs is when she treats me an my kids the worse an recently she has a friend an is cruel when shes around because she thinks its funny an her friend laughs with her about it, I left a year ago an she called the cops on me they threatened to take my children away from me if I tried leaving again im 2 months from being 18 an tonight has been a horrible night for my children an i an i want nothing more then to leave first thing in the morning but im worried if ill get introuble because I'm still not 18 yet or if ill be fine because I turn 18 in two months?

[ccsmod0]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Okay so I have 27 days till my 18th but I don’t know if I can move out before then with my boyfriend my family is horrible and I kinda want to know I’m 17 rn Thomas I’m in Florida

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS. While we are not legal experts, we can speak on this generally. Even though you are so close to turning 18, your parents are still legally responsible for you until your 18th birthday. If you leave before your birthday, they can still attempt to report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. Now, some police are more lenient when young people leave home so close to turning 18. There is a possibility that police would not intervene in any way but we don't have a way to know for sure or to guarantee. The local police department would have the most accurate information regarding this. You can anonymously call the local non-emergency line to speak with an officer and ask how they would handle a runaway report in this situation.

We hope this information helps. We truly want to be a support for you as you decide on your next steps. We are available 24/7 to listen and help as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out again by phone or chat if you would like to talk more in-depth about your situation and explore your options. You can contact us by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or use our live chat services at www.1800runaway.org.

[Guest]

I live in California I am 17 turning 18 on November 6th it is two weeks away and I was going to wait until my birthday but I don't think I can. If I leave without my mother's consent can she still call the cops and force me to come back home.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS. While we are not legal experts by any means, we can speak generally on this. Until you turn 18, your mother can report you as a runaway to the police if you leave without permission. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means your mother can ask police to return you home if she knows where you are staying. Now, there is not a universal way that police respond to runaway reports. In some cases officers might be more lenient and not intervene with someone who is that close to turning 18. This can vary between police departments and even officers so there is not a necessarily a way to know for sure. You can anonymously call the local police department's non-emergency line to speak with an officer about this situation and receive more specific information. They would know best what might happen if your mom attempts to report you as a runaway.

We hope this information helps. Please do not hesitate to contact us again by phone at 1-800-786-2929 or through live chat at 1800runaway.org if you need further support.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I am 17, almost 18. I live with my dads ex wife and her new husband along with their 8 kids. I am not allowed to go out and do anything or see my real family. I constantly have to clean the house, while they depend on me. I’m the only who cleans the house. I also have to watch their kids while they go out and get drunk. I want leave and want to know if it’s legal to leave since I am not 18 yet. They only have custody of me and I have real blood related family that will take me in.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS and we appreciate you sharing a bit about your situation with us. It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed at home and you are thinking about leaving. You deserve to feel safe and supported no matter where you are leaving.

We are not legal experts, but we can speak generally on this. If you leave home without permission as minor, your parents can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offence. This means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. There is not a universal way that police handle runaway reports and it can vary by state and even by city. Some police might be more lenient with someone who is close to turning 18 and there is a possibility that they might not pursue a runaway report. You can call the non-emergency line for your local police department to learn more specifically how police in your area would respond to a runaway report.

We hope this information is helpful. We are available 24/7 for immediate support by phone at 1-800-786-2929 and through live at 1800runaway.org if you would like to talk more about your situation. We are here to listen and help as much as possible.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey I’m 17 years old I left home 6 months ago I been doing good on my own my question today is me & my mama finally made up but I’m scared she is going to force me back home I turn 18 in 2 months will I have to go back since I’ve been gone soo long & she hasn’t did anything.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to write us here at NRS and we appreciate you sharing a bit about your situation with us. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally on this. 18 is usually the age you are able to leave home and choose where you live. Because you are still under 18, your mom can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means that your mom can still ask police to return you home if she knows where you are staying. There is a possibility police would not intervene because you are so close to turning 18 but this can vary by police department.

We are glad to hear you were able to open up communication with your mom. If you would like to talk more about this or you need any support along the way, please don't hesitate to reach out again. We are available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-786-2929 and through live chat at 1800runaway.org.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi I’m 17 and I love my family but I have very awful depression and my mom says the meanest stuff and my father is abusive I turn 18 in 6 months and me and my friend are gonna get an apartment can I leave without then being able to stop me I live in Maryland

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to us here at NRS and we appreciate you sharing your situation. It sounds like there is a lot you are faced with at home and you are considering leaving as one of your options. Leaving can be a big decision to make so it was very resourceful to reach out for more information. While we are not legal experts we can speak generally on this. 18 is usually the age you are able to leave home without permission from your parents. If you leave home as a minor, your parents can report you as a runaway to the police. Running away is not illegal, but it is a status offense. This means your parents can ask police to return you home if they know where you are staying. Something else to consider is that a landlord likely not allow you to sign a lease. That means you would probably have to live with your friend without the landlord's knowledge which could be risky for you. We want to make sure you have the information to stay as safe as possible with whatever you decide to do.

We can best help by phone or chat. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

We’re here to listen and to help as much as possible.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

Hey I’m currently 15 I live in LA I currently in a relationship with someone 3 years older then me I’m currently in a super toxic house and no one here supports me me and my bf we’ve already talk and have plans we’re waiting until I’m 18 will there be any problems with the police? Or any problems?
like to come back home even if I don’t want to?

[ccsmod15]

Hi,
Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are glad to hear you have a plan and we hope to support you in the best way we can.
It sounds like you are might have an interest in moving out of your home at age 18. In the state of California, this would be legal, and you cannot be made to return home by the police. At the time you turn 18 in this state, you will be a legal adult and able to make your own decisions.
We hope this helps, and we encourage you to call us if you have any more questions at 1-800-RUN-AWAY. Stay safe and stay strong.
Sincerely,
NRS

[Guest]

I’m 18 in 4 day’s January 23, can I leave and not get in trouble with the law.

[ccsmod13]

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us here at NRS. While we are not legal experts, we can speak generally on this. 18 is usually the age you are able to leave home without permission from your parents. If you leave as a minor, your parents can report you as a runaway to the police. If your parents know where you are staying, they can ask police to return you home. Even if you are returned home, you would not get into any legal trouble. Because you are just a few days away from turning 18 it is unlikely police would intervene at all, but it is still a risk. Once you turn 18, you will have the legal freedom to choose where you live without the risk of a runaway report.

If you would like to talk more about your situation, please don't hesitate to contact us directly by phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY or through live chat at 1800runaway.org.

Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

Hi! I just have a question i turn 18 in about 3 weeks if my parents call the cops can they legally do something and will i get in trouble?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. At NRS, we are not legal experts, but we can provide you with some general guidance. Before you turn 18, typically you are legally bound to your parents and could be returned home if the police were to pick you up after running away from home. When you turn 18, you are considered a legal adult and in most cases can make decisions about your whereabouts on your own. So that we can have more context to what you are asking, we encourage you to reach out to us by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I am currently 17 and I moved in with my dad about 4 years ago. Things with my dad have been a complete nightmare and we are always getting into fights and arguements. I ran away over the summer because of something that happened with my dad one night and he called the cops and they ended up bringing me home. My dad tells me constantly that he wants me gone and that he is kicking me out as soon as I turn 18. I have been so depressed living here and I honestly don't know how much more I can take. My boyfriend has told me that I can move in with him, and his mom is okay with it as well. What should I do? Is it a bad idea to move in with my boyfriend? Should I TRY and stick it out till I'm 18? Someone please help me?!

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It sounds like things with your dad are really hard at home. It must feel really bad to be told that you are not wanted. It sounds like you have the support of your boyfriend and his family. When things are hard it can be helpful to have the support of others who care about you. In thinking about leaving home, ultimately the decision is up to you. You know your situation best and what is safest. You could decide to stay at home until you are 18 or you could consider other options. At 17 you Dad is technically your legal guardian. If you decide to leave, he could still file a runaway report if he finds you gone.

So that we can have more context to what you are asking, we encourage you to reach out to us by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon. We can work with you to gather information that might be helpful so that you can weigh your options and make a plan.

Best,

NRS

[Guest]

I’m 17 about to be 18 at the end of October and my moms mentally and emotionally abusive and saying I need to stay until I’m 18 an even after I’ve been trying to get out of my home for the past 3 years but couldn’t bc I was no where close to 18 since I have alil over a month to go would I be able to move out with out being considered a runaway if I’m almost 18

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I turn 18 in less than 30 days. I live at home with my dad who licks me out of the house and doesn’t allow me to eat and is starting to block off the kitchen and restroom. I found a transitional house that will let me come now just so that I am safe. I am an Honor roll student who just received a full ride scholarship. I just to finish high and move on in life will I be made to go back home?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS). We understand it takes great courage to reach out, and we appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on. It seems there is a lot that you are faced with right now and you’re feeling like leaving is one of your only options. It seems you want to know some information on runaway laws.
While we are not experts on the law, 18 is generally the age that an individual may leave home without parent permission. If you are under 18 and leave home, your parent/guardian may file you as a runaway and you may be returned home. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. For more specifics on the law, the local non-emergency police or legal aid may better answer legal questions.
We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon.
Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).
If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I'm going to be 18 in 9 days can I leave???

[ccsmod1]

Hi there,

Thank you for contacting us at National Runaway Safeline regarding your question about leaving. Please note that we are not legal experts. However, once a person is age 18, they are legally recognized as an adult. Once you are 18, you will be responsible for yourself and should have the ability to choose where you would like to be. If you would like to talk further with us about the situation, or if you are in need of locating resources near you, please feel welcome to reach out to us through out chat portal, found on our website at www.1800runaway.org or give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

We look forward to the opportunity to talk further with you and we wish you safety, health, and peace.

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

I turn 18 in less than three months and Is there a way I can move out legally before then? My parents are always telling me to focus on my mental health and I have asked them to go to my best friends house for a night and that I would be back first thing in the morning they said no but I have had 6 mental break downs in less than a week and they still won’t let me go over there to get my mental health straight my dad told me that everything good I have going for me if it gets messed up it’s my fault he used to abuse me but I need to get out of here like now I turn 18 in march is there any legal way to move out?

[ccsmod5]

Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We are glad that you are reaching out for help—that takes a lot of bravery. It sounds like you are going through an extremely difficult time right now with taking care of your mental health and life at home. We are sorry to hear that home isn’t a place where you feel supported mentally and was a place where you were abused in the past. You deserve unconditional love and support.

Although we are not legal experts here at NRS, we can do our best to offer some suggestions about your question of leaving home before turning 18 years old in 3 months. If you go to stay at a friend’s house without parental permission for over 24 hours (the exact timing depends on which state you live in), you parents could potentially file against your friend’s parents with something called “harboring a runaway.” This is a legal term for kidnapping. Might sound extreme, we understand. If your parents don’t know this friend and do not know where to look, they could also file a missing child report to their local police department. Law enforcement will collect basic information about you that will go into a national database, and they can then return you home in the event you are found. Because you turn 18 years old rather soon, some law enforcement may not invest as much time in attempting to find you compared to a younger youth. Again, this is truly all depends on your city and state. Once you are 18, however, that is no longer a concern as you know.

You also shared how you feel like your mental health is not being cared for. If you ever have thoughts of hopelessness, and despair, or feelings like you wish to harm yourself, there is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline available 24/7 at 988 or perhaps try the Mental Health American Agency that can help you locate a local mental health support group at 703-684-7722. Another resource is the 24-Hour Mental Health Delegate Line at 215-685-6440.

As you decide your options, if you ever feel unsafe at home, you can always text the word “safe” and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) to get the nearest safe location. Or, text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

We are here as support to help through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by forum to assist you. If you would like to talk more in detail please call or chat soon. Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
Be safe,
NRS