Florida, 15 and on the backup plan

[Guest]

Hi! I'm 15 currently, and yeah, I'm planning on running away. I'm planning on staying with a friend of mine down south in another state.

It's more of a backup plan for if things get to the worst case scenario. Essentially, my stepdad is very... "overly-friendly"... at times, and at others he gets extremely angry. I'm extremely suicidal, anxious, and depressed, but my mother insists that I'm faking it and that I don't need my medication or therapy (which it has been proven that as of right now, I do). Pretty much, if it gets much worse my safety is endangered - whether that's from myself or others.

So, things are quickly approaching the worst case scenario, and I want to know the best way to approach this route. From a legal standpoint and from a physical-mental-emotion standpoint. I understand about the aiding runaways part will cause a fine if caught, but if I can stay under the radar for 2 to 3 years, I should be okay. I'm also already taking a lot of online courses, and it'll be a simple transfer for it (simply go to FLVS or the other states equivilant). The most I would be worried about would be transferring my dual enrollment courses over.

My friend is willing to drive, pick me up and help load my things. I just want to know what else I need to worry about.

[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 with your mom and step-dad. How they have been treating you is not fair and is not okay. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now. It sounds like you’re fearing that the situation may end in suicide if things don’t change. Your safety and well-being is important. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org is also a great resource to reach out to in addition to our crisis services.
Even though it sounds like you already know this, we just want to make sure you have as much information as we can give. 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.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This may be an isolating and lonely time for you, but you are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time.
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 hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe and stay strong,
NRS