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Dear Illinois I am 15 and have been abused in many ways. I wish to go to the public school and have ran away from home in the past. Can I legally go without my parents consent?
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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 you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. 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 chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS
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hi My mother is verbally and emotionally abusive it has gotten physical. I live in Glen carbon IL. The same rud officer comes and flirts with her then tellls me I have no rights. If i was a bad kid i would understand but i have never caused her trouble. She has abused me when we lifed in florida by choking me nearly to death and punching me in ghe face now my nose makes a cracking sound, I am 16 I want to live with my sister but my mom says my ownly way out is if I got to a shelter or if she kills me or I kill myself. I have managed to keep my mental state up for over 7 years and I can't do it anymore I tride ending my life after she told me to in 2019 but I failed. She no longer feeds me if I didn't have a job to pay for food I would be starving. I was coughing up blood and needed to go to a hospital and she refused to take me. Her friend gave her meds to give me and she kept them for herself. If i could leave without a problem right now I would, she plans on placing me in a mental hospital because she says I keep lying even when i have proof of the abuse. She has been on factime with my brother (who I do not trust) and I was naked and she put the camera in my direction so he could see me. I do not feel safe here, I feel like the only way anyone will actually caer a little is if I kill myself then they will decide to say "oh maybe I should have done something" but I refuse to let her win. please help me.Comment
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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 you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. You may also be able to report any mistreatment to CPS. Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. They can tell you more about how CPS could respond to your situation. If you ever need assistance calling out to CPS to make an abuse or neglect report please call is at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. 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 chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in. We unfortunately cannot give advice as we are non-directive. You know your situation best.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Be safe,
NRS
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Hi, so I am 16 turning 17 in October . I love with my grandma since my mom passed away. i’m not happy at home, i barley eat anymore, she argues with my everynight, i can not go to school events without her supervision, she made me stop talking to my girlfriend, dcfs has been called because i was so unhappy one night that i thought i was going to kill myself. the case never got properly looked at and got dismissed. i talked to my dad and step mom and my step mom told me that she ran away at 17 and the police did not do anything about it. my girlfriend and her mother said i could love with them, my girlfriends step dad is a cop, so i would be living with him aswell. i’m just so unhappy here, the arguments are too much to handle. my thoughts are i will leave when i turn 17, i am financially stable and have a active job, and a car. i was wondering if this sounds like a good plan?Comment
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Hi there,
(If you are in danger for any reason, please call the police or go to your local emergency room.)
Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like living with your grandma is super hard and stressful and not a place you can be safe at anymore. We are also sorry to hear that DCFS dismissed your situation.
As for leaving home, it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into it and have already made plans. Since you are technically under the age of 18 years old, it is possible that your grandma, if she is your legal guardian, can file a runaway report and you can be returned back home by the police. That being said, sometimes these cases will not be taken given that you will be a legal adult in a year. We are not legal experts, but one option could be to reach out to your local police station and ask how they might handle your case. Or, if you feel comfortable, you can talk with your girlfriend’s step dad since he is involved in law enforcement. Another option could be leaving with permission. If you are granted permission, you can live with your girlfriend’s family without any potential consequences of being returned home.
It is also important that you take care of yourself as your situation sounds very stressful. Talking with counselor, friend, your girlfriend/her family, or another family member can be super helpful along with other coping mechanisms. You can listen to music, journal about what is going on, exercise, take a walk, draw, or just do an activity that makes you feel good. You also mentioned suicide, you can reach a suicide hotline by calling 988 (https://988lifeline.org/) and if you are ever in danger, please call 911.
We understand this is a difficult situation so to discuss in more detail, please contact NRS either by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or chatting online through 1800runaway.org. We can help you work through some options after learning a bit more about you situation. We hope to hear from you soon!
Be safe,
NRS
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