Can I run away at 18 with mental health issues?

[Guest]

Hello, I apologize if this question has been asked before. I am 18 and want to leave home. However, I have been stopped by my parents in the past (while I was 1. They have claimed that if I run away, they will tell authorities that due to my mental health issues, I am a danger to myself. I have read that "If your child is between the ages of 18 and 20, and legally considered an adult, and has a mental health condition, police are required by Suzanne’s Law (a provision in the PROTECT Act of 2003) to extend the same level of effort and resources as they would for a child under the age of 18." Does this mean that if I was found, they would bring me back to my parents? What mental health conditions would be classified as being unable to be of sound mind and decision making capabilities? I live in Washington state, if that context is needed.

[Guest]

Hi, thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. NRS is here to answer your questions and provide you with help. NRS are not legal experts but NRS can provide you with resources to people or agencies that can answer your questions. NRS searched resources that are in the state of Washington.


Family Support Center Program of Rural Resources
956 S. Main
Colville, WA 99114-2505
Hotline: 509-684-6139
Website: http://www.ruralresources.org/

NRS want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We can best help by phone or chat as NRS is unable to respond more than twice by email or bulletin for assistance. If you would like to talk more in detail and share more about how we can help specifically, please contact our 24/7 crisis support line either by phone or chat.



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Be safe,

NRS