Moving out before 18

[Guest]

Ever since I was 7 I've been abused, kicked out, left places ,etc. I'm finally 17 turning 18 in a couple months. I have a 30-35 hour a week job paying $17 an hour. A guy i've been dating for 4 years has offered me a safe place to live. I've spent nights, even a week at his apartment. I could wait until the day I turn 18 and leave my parents home, but the physical and emotional abuse has been escalating recently and I no longer feel safe in their home. I told my mother I was planning on leaving, to see what she'd say, and she told me I can leave whenever I want but not to be surprised if the police show up. I'm more than capable of paying rent(Financially stable), have a place to live(My name will be on the rent the second I move in), a car, and graduated High School early. Is there anyway I can move out now or any legal action I can make in order to escape.

[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.
The easiest way to leave home is with your parents' permission. We understand that might be challenging, however, maybe there’s another family member, relative, or a family friend who could help to communicate how you’re feeling to your parents. The second way is through Child Protective Services if safety is a concern. Lastly, you can also look into emancipation options. In most states you need to be at least 16 to be considered and demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and independently. Emancipation often can be a lengthy process and may even cost some money for court fees. We would be happy to look into legal resources if that’s something you are considering.
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 would like to look into further emotional support options, you can text with a crisis worker at the National Alliance on Mental Illness 24/7 by texting "NAMI" to 741741.
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