Are runaway laws enforced in Arkansas?

[Guest]

Hi I am currently 17 years old. I have a little under 90 days before I turn 18 in October. I have a full time job and make good money as a manger at a local sonic in Arkansas . I already take care of myself living with my mom at her friends house. I want to leave because my Mom sold my truck a while ago and consistently spends all of my money. I have no way of doing anything about her taking my card being her name is on my card account and I live with her. I have no family that is not on drugs or 2000 miles away in California. I would have many places to live and could easily move out considering I already pay for everything I own but I don’t want whoever I love in with to get into trouble for helping me. And not being able to even register myself into the school system for my senior year and all means I have no way of going back to school. I dont know what I should do but I can’t handle living her anymore especially considering she is trying to move back to California very soon.

[ccsmod9]

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.
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 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

[Guest]

I am the paternal grandmother of an fourteen years old. He has came to my home to get away from an abusive mother. I have called to see were there any runaway order on him and there were none. My daughter suffers from biopolar disoder but she manipulates the police by saying that the child is an problem. An hopeless grandmother.

[ccsmod15]

Hello, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you care a lot about your grandson and are looking for some support with this really hard situation.
One option may be for you to get temporary custody over your grandson in the courts. Child Help (1-800-422-4453) or a local lawyer may be able to help with that. If you need legal aid in your area, chat through our website here or call us 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929 and we can provide you with some additional resources.
You could also look at nami.org. They have groups for people with mental illness as well as their families. It may be a helpful resource for you and your grandson.

Thank you again for advocating for your grandson. We are here 24/7 by chat and phone and can best help directly!

[Guest]

I'm 17 can I leave home without parental consent. I'm having problems at home which is causing self harm. Would I get in trouble for leavibg

[Guest]

Hello I'm 17 I was wondering if I leave home without parental consent if I could get in trouble for leaving. They say things and scream at me which is causing self harm. My boyfriend and my bestfriend have invited me into their home. Can i leave?

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for reaching out to us. It sounds like you are having some issues with your parents that is causing you to hurt yourself. If you ever want someone to talk to about those feelings please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1800-273-8255 or text NAMI at 741741. While it’s good that you have some safe places to stay, if you chose to leave your parents’ home, whomever is responsible for you can file a runaway report with your local police department. From what we understand, running away may not be illegal in some places, but it can be considered a status offense. After a report is made, it is up to your local police department to decide what additional steps might be taken. Also, those you stay with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. The best way to confirm what consequences you might see if you decide to run away is to reach out to your local police department and ask. You do not need to provide identifying information to ask questions, and it may help you figure out your next steps if you know what the police might do. If you do not know how to reach them, or feel that you need help making the call, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We will not tell you what to do, but we will do our best to help you figure out your next steps. You can reach us by phone 24/7 at 1.800.RUNAWAY (786.2929) as well as via chat every day. We’re here to listen, here to help. Stay safe!

[ccsmod4]

I'm 17 can I leave home without parental consent?


Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS).

We appreciate you sharing a little bit about what’s going on.
It sounds like the problems you are having at home has you thinking about running away.
While we are not experts on the law, someone under 18 that leaves home, the parent/guardian may file them as a runaway and they may be returned home. Also, those that a reported runaway stays with may run the risk of being charged with harboring a runaway. Anyone found to be assisting or aiding someone to run away may also find themselves at risk legally. For more specifics on the law, you might consider contacting the local non-emergency number for the police. You might also look for a legal aid center in the area. They may be able to answer any legal questions on the subject.

Sometimes when communication breaks down with someone you are close to you making it difficult to know just where to turn. You did well reaching out today. We would like you to know NRS is here to listen and here to help. Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of.

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). It is important that you take care of yourself emotionally and physically.

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

[Guest]

I’m 17 and I want to move out

my parents and I haven’t been getting along that well over the past few months. Over the past few years ones of them had threatened to beat me to death on multiple occasions, July 4th being the most recent. I feel like I don’t belong in this house and they think it’s because I have an “attitude” with everything. They constantly threaten to ground me even when I do what I’m supposed to be doing. I just don’t know what to do anymore and they aren’t really the type to let me just move out if I wanted to. The house is supposed to be kept a certain way, and it’s not because they don’t even follow the rules that they have. I feel like me and my siblings could be in danger at some point in the future.

[ccsmod1]

Hey there,

Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little bit about what’s been going on, we know that it takes a lot of courage. It must be really hard to live in a home with so much tension. It sounds really frustrating to try to live up to a set standard that even your parents don't follow. The threats of beating you to death are really scary and no one should hear that. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/.

It sounds like your parents don't fully understand what their expectations and threats are impacting you. It could be a good idea to work with a local family counselor or have a conversation mediated by a school counselor/social worker, trusted friend, or family member to help clear the air. If you'd like, you can also call us directly and we can conduct a conference call with your parents so you have a safe environment where you can express yourself.

If you’d like to go over what’s going on in depth, or if you’d like to explore other options that you may have available to you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You can also chat us by clicking on the “CHAT” button on top of our homepage. We’re open 24/7 and here to listen and support you in any way we can.

Stay safe,
NRS

[Guest]

I am turning 17 in January, If i runaway will they make me go back?

[ccsmod15]

Hello -

Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you’re contemplating running, and the legal side of this can be a bit tricky. In the state of Arkansas, the age of majority is 18 – so at 17, you will still be considered a minor. We’re not legal experts, but generally speaking, running away is not a crime. It’s considered a “status offense”. You won’t be arrested and it won’t go on your permanent record, however, the police will return you to the home of your parents or legal guardian if they find you.

While running away is not a crime, in Arkansas, there is a law against contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This can include helping or encouraging a minor to leave their home without a good cause and without the consent of his or her guardian
.
We’re really glad you came here to ask about this! It sounds like you’re looking at all your options and finding out as much information as you can. Feel free to call us anytime at 1-800-RUN-AWAY if you would like to talk. We’re 24/7 and completely confidential. Best of luck!

[Guest]

Is it Illegal to run away in Arkansas?
I'm 13 and me and mom got in a fight.. I told her she's lucky I haven't tooken a swan dive out of my window because I was mad... She told me if I felt froggy to go ahead
She started downs shaming me and calling me a slob and I was listening to "I'm gonna show you crazy" by BeBe Rexha and she said 'yeah you are a sick b*tch and a psychopath"
I just want to run away and I don't know the consequences
I don't want to be punished for running away if I run away....

[ccsmod6]

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We’re sorry to hear that your mom has been acting in a hurtful and inappropriate manner. It is totally out of line for her to say those things to you and call you those names. It is not illegal to run away in any state. If you do run away, you won’t get arrested for it or charged with any crime. However, your mom can file a runaway report out on you. What that means is that if the police find you, they will tell your mom and then make you go home. Even though you can’t get in trouble with the police, your mom can still punish you if you run away. So you may want to be aware of that fact.

It might be a good idea to talk through the specifics of your situation and where your head is at. We would be happy to talk to you about options or how to run away in a safe and careful manner. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-786-2929 or chat us at 1800runaway.org

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

my friend is 17 and we live in arkansas her granddad has put his hands on her once and they mentally and verbally abuse her everyday she has very bad depression and stuff like that they take the phone she pays for and then make it where she cannot call the cops while they are verbally and mentally abusing her and after where she cant call it in becuase it will be too late to call it in what can we do to help her we had her at our house bc she was walking and we picked her up we called the police station to see ehat we could do and an officer called back telling her she had to go home when she dont feel safe there what can we do please help

[ccsmod3]

Thank you for reaching out to us. It sounds like your friend is going through a tough time. It's a good that that she has you to support her during this tough time. We are not legal experts but 18 is generally the age that a youth can leave home without the parents permission. If the youth leaves home under 18, their parent or legal guardian may file them as a runaway and they would be returned home. Also, if she is staying with you and the police locate her there you can risk being charged with harboring a minor. For more specifics on the law, contact your local non-emergency police. If you want to discuss this further you can give us a call at 1800-Runaway. We are 24/7, confidential and here to help!

[Guest]

Hey,

I am 16 and I live in Arkansas. I live with my dad because my mom isn't in the picture. In the last year, my dad has hit me and verbally abused me. I've looked into emancipation, but I know my dad won't give parental consent, and I want to run away, but I value my education and I know that I would be brought back home and then beat until I can't stand anymore. A friends family has offered to take me in and even fight my dad if they have to, but I don't want to put them in that situation. I just want to move in with them and continue going to school without putting up with my dad.

I want to move out.

So, I'm 16 and I live with my dad (mom's not in the picture). My dad doesn't really pay attention to me except for when I've done something wrong and within the last year (last March - this March) he has laid hands on me, and I even had bruises for about a week once. I've looked into emancipation, but I know my dad won't give parental consent and that really sucks because I really want to get out of here. I've found a family that has offered to take me in and even fight with my dad if they have to, and I really want to stay with them, but I know that my dad will probably call the police and I'll be in so much trouble. I would run away, but I value my education and I don't know how hard the police would actually look for me. Help.

[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 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

[Guest]

I'm 16 and I can't stay at my house anymore I hate it here I live in Arkansas is it illegal for me to runaway to a friends house

[ccsmod2]

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. I am sorry to hear that you hate living at home right now. That must feel overwhelming and stressful. In Arkansas, there is no specific law referring to the harboring of runaways. However, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a crime. A person contributes to delinquency when that person aids, causes, or encourages a minor to, among other things, be habitually absent from home without good or sufficient cause and without the consent of his guardian. Harboring a runaway may fall within this category if you are choosing to runaway to a friend’s house without your guardian’s permission. At NRS, we are not legal experts, but we can provide you some guidance related to your rights and laws per state.

If you need any additional resources or support or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call NRS directly at 1-800-786-2929 or visit https://www.1800runaway.org/#. We are here 24/7 to take calls and chats.

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.

Be safe,

NRS

[Guest]

My step son runs away repeatedly...we know where he is but the police will not go get him and said by law we can't go in someone's house and get him he's been gone 2 weeks this time what if he's not ok and they won't go check what if he's roaming he's missing school each time he runs away and he's only 15 what can we do since the report as a runaway isn't doing anything?

[ccsmod6]

Hi there,
Thanks so much for reaching out. We understand that your step-son’s absence has been incredibly distressing and we’re sorry that the police haven’t been helpful. Unfortunately, law enforcement’s policies regarding searching for runaway youth can vary widely between districts and states. Oftentimes it is up to the parents to advocate for themselves and to keep track of the steps taken to find their youth.
Unfortunately, we do not have a service that assists with locating youth, but there are agencies that might be able to help out. One option is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which can be reached at 1-800-843-5678 or at http://www.missingkids.com/home. You can also try reaching out to Child Find at 1-800-426-5678 or at http://childfindofamerica.org/.
If you get in touch with us through phone or chat we may also be able to refer you to other local resources. We’d be happy to talk with you more about this situation and different options you might have. You can reach us over phone at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through our Live Chat at www.1800runaway.org. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We hope to hear from you soon!
NRS