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I’m 17 & in Ohio, I turn 18 in a month & 20 days. I’ve been trying to leave my home without any legal issues being brought up. I’ve read that I am able to leave in Ohio without legal issues because my 18th is so close but I’m not sure I believe it. I just don’t want to get myself or my twin sister in trouble. I guess what i’m asking is, is there any legal issues in Ohio with 17 year old runaways & can I move out without permission?
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Hi there,
We appreciate you reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you’re in a rather difficult situation. We’re not legal experts, so we can’t say for sure that you wouldn’t face any issues if you left home one month and twenty days before you’re 18, but here’s what the language around runaway laws in Ohio says:
A runaway youth may be taken into custody without a warrant by a police officer or by an authorized officer of the court. The police officer shall not deliver the youth to a shelter care facility without a court order unless it is in the best interests of the youth. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 2151.31 (2017).
Essentially, it’s going to depend on, if an authority does end up picking you up, what they decide to do. Their priority, per the state, is the course of action that will best keep you safe. This could mean being reunited with your family or being placed in a transitional living program. It is also possible that they may not choose to do anything if you are caught/reported as a runaway. This is not to say that any of this is what would happen in your situation, but to illustrate some scenarios of what’s happened with other young folks in your situation.
We would be happy to point you toward some legal resources as you navigate this challenging time period of your life, or be a listening ear if you need one—our confidential crisis chat line and phone line are available 24/7.
Good luck to you, and please reach out to us at 1 (800) RUNAWAY if you’d like to talk!
Sincerely,
NRS
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Hi, I am 17 and will not be turning 18 until May 3, I was wondering what trouble I would get in for trying to move out with out my parents consent. I have many friends and family who would let me move in with them and I would really like to get away from my household. It is very toxic and emotionally abusive to the point that it is interfering with trying to go on with my days. I have wanted to leave so bad and for so long but I was waiting till I was 18. I just don’t know if I can keep doing this. Things are getting worse. I just don’t want anyone around me or helping me to get in trouble so I would like to know the consequences. Thank you.Comment
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Hello,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that your household situation has been so challenging. It sounds like you have found alternative housing options that feel safer for you, but you have concerns about potential consequences. Although we are not legal experts, we can give you general information that may help you figure out your next steps.
If you are considered a minor in your state, you need the consent of your parent/legal guardian to live anywhere outside of their home. If you leave without consent, they have the right to file a runaway report with your local police department. From what we understand, it is not technically illegal to run away, but it is considered a status offense in some states. If you are reported as a runaway and you live in an area where local police actively look for you, you would be returned to your parent/legal guardian if you are located. Although it may not be illegal for your to run away, anyone that houses you can potentially be charged with harboring a runaway. This is typically a misdemeanor, and depending on your state, these charges may be filed by your parent/legal guardian or local authorities. The best way to find out the consequences is to reach out to your local police department at their non-emergency number. If you need help finding their contact information, or if you would like help in contacting them, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for you.
Please know that we will support you regardless of what you decide to do. We will do our best to help you explore your options and stay as safe as possible. You can reach us 24/7 by phone or chat. Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button). We are here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!
-NRS
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Hi I live in Ohio and I am about to be 18, may cha4ges be filed of I run away the day I turn 18 and go to a different state n get on a plane and everythingComment
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Hi. Thank you for contacting NRS, asking for help and reaching out is very brave of you. Once you turn eighteen you can legally leave the state and board a plane, without charges being filed, however, it might be best to think about your plan once you leave states. We can help you brainstorm a plan and come up with local shelters in the area as well as think about the safest option for you. In regards to the police, once you turn eighteen your parents cannot file charges against you unless you are running away with their money, however, it is important to remember that we are not legal experts.
We want to emphasize that we are here for you at our call or chat line. You are welcome to chat us through this website, or call our hotline at 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY). We know that this must be difficult but we are here to ensure that you are safe and receive your basic necessities. Don’t be afraid to reach out for any questions you may have. We are here for you.
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I'm 17 years old and I want to run away. Is it stupid I want to run away because my parents are very controlling?Comment
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Hi there, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you are wanting to run away because your parents are very controlling. It is not stupid at all, you deserve to feel safe and comfortable in your own home. If you would like to talk about this further and discuss possible options or resources that might be able to help, please contact our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us online at 1800runaway.org. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS
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Am I am I able to run away to another state with my girlfriend. I am 17 turning 18 in 4 months. I have enough money to support myself but the reason why I am running away is because my parents are being very controlling and treating me like I am still a child. I want to run away and live my life. I wish to be able to legally do so. Because I care about her and she is very caring and would do anything for me. We have been together for 1 year, 4 months.Comment
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Hi there, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like your parents are controlling and still treat you like a child and you are wanting to have more freedoms. Running away is a status offense meaning it is only illegal because you are under 18. The way to legally be able to stay with your girlfriend is to get your parents’ permission, otherwise they could file a runaway report and if you are found, you would likely be forced to go back home. If you would like to talk about this further or other possible options, please call our hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chat us online at 1800runaway.org. We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS
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