Running Away to Another Country

[Guest]

Hey,I hope the people that’s planing on running away be safe , because you have to have a big responsibility if you wanna run away, I know things at home are bad or aren’t good but I promise they are going to get better , I know life is hard and we have a lot of mysteries coming up , that’s just the begging, I promise the end is going to be how you like it



From:unknown
have a good day!

[Guest]

Me and me girlfriend need advice on her running away.

I'm 15 from the UK and she's 14 from the US, we'll probably both be a year older by when we finish sorting this out.

Me and her have known eachother for over a year and have been dating for over 5 months. She's the kindest, most caring person in the world. But her family are just honestly terrible to her, her brother physically assaults her, sometimes in a fun brother sister way other times just in a cruel abusive way, she grew up with her mother and father constantly drunk and hitting eachother, and now her mother abuses her. She's struggling to handle it, she's even gone as far as self harm. And I can't handle it anymore, so we've begun talking about having her run away to the join me here in the UK. We have enough room in the house for her, and I have enough money to help her.
Getting what we need to get her here shouldn't be a problem we'll most likely be able to pay for a flight, or my dad's a sailor so he could likely help.

But we have few concerns:
1. Could she get taken back to the US?
2. What would she require to be able to board the flight?
3. Could there be legal consequences of she's caught before coming?

[ccsmod15]

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 forum 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]

Hey, idunno if someone will see this but yeah I’m 15, sophomore, from a different country and I’m like going through a difficult time in here. I hate it in here. I've always wanted to go and live in the US or in Canada. I've always wanted to go to school in there, live my own life, get a job blah blah blah. I told my parent’s bout this but they just won’t listen to me, they never understand me, cus they're the worst. I’m like a ********ing basket case to them. so like I’m telling y'all this cus like my parents came up with a plan to go on a trip either in the US or in Canada and I’m planning on running away while we're on the trip. I've actually came up with a plan myself if I decided to runaway but I’m kind of worried that I might end up living in the streets or in the worst case scenario, end up dead or getting abducted. I know what I’m doing is pretty stupid but this is what I want. I don’t wanna be with my family anymore, I’m cutting them from my life for good. I just really need some help like for real. Also, if I do ended up running away, how am I gonna finish school, what about my hopes and dreams? Where am I gonna live? how am I gonna get a job. If I don’t have any money or a house.
I’m hoping that y'all understand me.

[ccsmod4]

Hello,
Thank you for writing to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.

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 are trying to decide what to do about leaving home or staying. Though we can understand being frustrated by a situation it’s good that you are taking your time in making a decision. Unfortunately we can't predict the future. One thing we can say is that running away probably will cause changes as to how you will survive. You pointed out some key elements about running away like: Where you will stay? How will you eat? How do you keep yourself safe? Another question you might ask of yourself is: Will running away make my situation better or worse?
One thing that might help during this difficult time is by making a check list to see if you have done all that you can to resolve whatever conflict you might be having about something or someone. Next is to examine how you have attempted to do this. Consider what the best form of communication is to get across your feelings about the situation.
It is also important that you remember to exercise self- care.
We would like to be of assistance to you if we can. It is times like these that it would be nice to have a listening ear.
We 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 your situation, explore options and how we can help specifically, please call or chat soon.

Our contact information is 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929); www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button).

Take care,
NRS

[Guest]

hi im 12 and have a girlfriend in scotland the problem is the passports to the airport would i be sent home by the police if i run away from home to go live with my girlfriend? snd if i dont i just wanna know like what if my parents beat me to death like my stepdad already does

[ccsmod15]

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.
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.
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]

hello I'm currently 14 and i live in the USA,
Me and my best friend want to runaway/move to Fukuoka Japan with our parents knowing.
my best friend is 13 and i'm 14 we have made the decision to leave either a year from now when i turn 15 or once she turns 15 so she is also capable of getting a job and I wouldn't be constantly working to keep our fiances up.
The reason She wants to leave is because her parents are EXTREMELY Controversial and she's part of the lgbtq+ and they don't not accept that at all. i don't 100% know her reasons but those are just some of the things. The reason I want to leave is because i feel like i don't truly belong anywhere and everywhere I go i just feel i don't belong with my family, I used to live with my dad with my 3 other siblings but i couldn't take the bullying and the house was terrible so I moved with my mom to another state she said that i would have more opportunities here but she never let me see the friends that I met and was really strict She emotionally and physiologically abused me and my step dad let it happen. I have the urge to get as far away from them as I can. My dad really cared about me but i cant live in those conditions.
I already have a passport and my friend is trying to get her passport, she also is trying to get her social security but her parents wont give it her, which i think she need to get a job. i have all my documents though, Another problem is getting on the plane, do you happen to know any airlines that will let us on by our self's we live around southwestern USA. I had a thought of asking my older sister (she's 21 currently) if she was willing to move to japan and have us live with here but if she disagrees i'm afraid she'll rat us out.
I have a job working for a family business and i'm gonna save up that money and were going to get as many donations as we can and as much money as we can to make sure we have the best out coming. But we need to find a way to get the money out of my account since it's connected to my family and they can see everything I do. I know nothing about running away but i and 100% i wanna do it because once i'm on my own i wont feel like a burden to anyone i know an my anxiety would go down. We both have been learning Japanese for a year already coincidentally so we plan to keep learning so we can speak fluent when we get there. I was taught to independent at a young age which sound really go to other people but for me i never really had a childhood i had to grow up fast, but ill use that to my advantage now i would be so thankful for any tips/advice you give me it would help so much thank you!! ill probably be back with more questions again so thank you!!

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,
You mentioned some things that raise concern for your safety and well-being. If any harm or abuse is happening at home, you have the right to report it. We are not experts on the issue, but generally once it's been reported, social services will either decide whether or not to take the case and further investigate. If they do take the case, they will send out someone from child protective services to do an investigation (interviewing people in the household) and from there they will decide the level of danger within the household. It generally ranges from no danger (the youth stays in the home, some services are given, and the case is closed), moderate danger (they will provide family services with possible temporary displacement) and high danger (they will remove the youth from the home and offer certain services). If you feel like this is an option you want to explore, you may find this website helpful: https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/. We can also help you to file a report if that’s the route you are considering.

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 forum 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]

Hey i'm a 15 year old and i want to runaway without my parents knowing bcs the have abused me many times and it's too much to handle can i get help on how i can get away i live in the uae and i tried reporting them but i couldn't get any responce please 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 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 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]

Hi I am 13 I want to run away but I have no transportation and I have saved up I just want to get away from the place that I am in right now

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,
Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen. It sounds like you are dealing with a difficult decision and we want you to know that you are not alone.
We are not legal experts but if you were to leave without permission your legal guardian could file a runaway report. If the police were to find you they most likely would bring you home. If you would like to talk more about your situation, please give us a call. We are confidential and here 24/7 to listen and provide support. Best of luck!
NRS

[Guest]

hi im 14 and i cant live with my parents any more. their abusive but the cops dont seem to think so. is it illegal if i run away with my friend to another country with her family? she is moving to mexico and i plan on going with her.

[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

[Guest]

Hi, i am 15 and plan on going to France soon to visit my family.. however I don’t want to return to my home country.
What would happen if I ran away there on of the last days for my proposed visit, without any identification ?
I don’t have my passport on me right now however I have a french passport. Would people find out where I originate from or who my parents are with my passport ?

[ccsmod15]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to us. We are only capable of answering questions pertaining to the laws of the United States, so if you are talking about running away in another country it would be best to contact a youth helpline in the country you are referring to. You can find international helplines at the following link:

https://www.childhelplineinternational.org/child-helplines/child-helpline-network

However, if you are referring to a situation in the United States (which may be the case because it's a bit unclear) the best thing to do would be to reach out to us by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY or chatting with us via the chat feature at www.1800runaway.org. We are here 24/7 and are confidential.

All the best,
NRS

[Guest]

Alright, where do I start. I'm 16 and I live in Canada. Boyfriend is 15 and lives in the states. His parents are emotionally and mentally abusive towards him, as well as neglectful as they refuse to feed him equally. We've tried to cope with it but now it's to the point where his parents are using his connection to me along with basically access to the internet and our friends hostage in order for them to get him to do what they want, since they're aware that me, our friends, and the internet is the only thing stopping his already unstable mental health plummet through the ground. I want him to get out of that environment where it's a regular thing for his dad to yell at him, I want him to be safe, but the only thing I can think of for him to be safe is that he either runs away to wherever his older sister lives or runs away up to Canada.

[ccsmod13]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. Looking out for your boyfriend and seeking help for him shows that you are a very compassionate and courageous person. You are not alone, and we are happy to help.

It sounds like your boyfriend has been experiencing emotional abuse and neglect at home. If he continues to be neglected, it is possible to call his state’s child abuse and neglect hotline. This website offers the different hotlines available by state: https://www.childwelfare.gov/organiz...custom&rs_id=5. This service would allow him to get assistance and an investigation started quickly. He could also find a shelter near his home that would allow him to live somewhere else temporarily and receive safety and support while he makes more secure living arrangements. This website can help find shelters in his area: https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/find-a-safe-place.

You also mentioned that your boyfriend is struggling with his mental health because of his situation, which is completely understandable. If you feel he is ever in crisis or if he wants further mental health support, he can contact the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, or by texting “HOME” to 741-741. They offer assistance anytime, any day for people struggling with their mental health.

In order for him to travel to Canada, he would need to have the proper documents and would most likely have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or have a letter of authorization signed by the parent or guardian. We are not legal experts at the NRS, but more information on this topic can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...ng-canada.html.

In order to hear more details about your situation and further support, you could call us 24/7 at (800) 786-2929 or chat live with us at www.1800runaway.org. We are always here to help and are ready to listen.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. Stay safe, and take care.

NRS

[Guest]

Hi!!

So me and my bf are planning for my trip to Cajada for 2 years. In 2 years I will be 18 and my bf will be 20. I will visit Canada when I am 18 and we have been planning this for 1 year now. My bf and his friends are moving to Canada in a few months! So we got that as a check! Im going to Canada for a visit in 2 years when Im 18!! Check!! Now question is. Will I be able to leave and run off with my bf when I am 18 and visiting Canada? Will I be able to stay with him for forever now? Note my BF is a US Citizen whilst I am Asian (Filipino) I just saw this site and thought this might help. Please. We are really hoping i can move in with my bf when Im 18 and my family is visiting Canada.

[ccsmod0]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.
We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

I am 16 years old girl. And I want to run away from home to the U.S.A. because of my parents. When I reach there, I want to be adopted by good parents who will let me know what is a warm and happy family like. Bit I will have trouble along the travel and also adoption in foreign country is really complex. Can you pl help me?

[ccsmod2]

Hello There,

Thank you for reaching out to The National Runaway Safeline, we are here to help and here to listen.
We are sorry you are not happy with your living situation, that can defiantly be difficult. Unfortunately we are based in the United States so we are unfamiliar with other countries laws and how adoption works.
But from what we know you would need a passport to travel to the United States, and you may need permission from your legal guardian. You could consider talking to your school counselor about what has been going on and about how you are feeling.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you in your situation. If you have any more questions or would like to explore options please give us a call. We are here for you 24/7. Best of luck
NRS

[Guest]

I'm 16, turning 17 in march 2021. i plan to leave from france to america 3 days after my birthday, the only problem would be money. i have a passport, im american and am aloud to fly alone, i can stay in a shelter.but im scared that they will send me back to france, is there a system in a america for runaways?

[ccsmod0]

Thank you for reaching out to us at the National Runaway Safeline. It sounds like you are in a difficult situation, and we understand it takes courage to reach out for help. The National Runaway Safeline is located in the United States of America (USA). Our knowledge of helpful community based resources and our understanding of youth in crisis related laws is limited to the USA. If you are located in a country outside of the USA, you can use this link to find a youth helpline in or around your country: https://www.childhelplineinternation...pline-network/.

We hope that by reaching out to a local resource, you are able to get the support you need from an organization that understands the laws and circumstances that affect youth in your country.

[Guest]

I’m 14 and I moved to Canada 3 years ago so I only have a permanent residence card and a passport. And I want to runaway to Europe bc I need to get away from my family. But I have a few concerns which is 1. Would they let me go into Europe alone 2. Would I be able to buy an apartment and get a job and 3. If I was caught would I be in legal problems and 4. Would I be able to get myself into a school. I’ve really been thinking about it but I just need to leave and wanted to ask these questions.

[ccsmod3]

Hey there. Thanks for reaching out to us here at NRS. We know that it can take a lot of courage to reach out for support, and we're glad you did. Unfortunately, our database at the moment only extends to resources within the US. Because you have a lot of questions that pertain to laws in other countries, we aren't able to help. You can check out the Child Helpline International by visiting: https://www.childhelplineinternation...lpline-network There you should be able to find helplines just like ours in your area.

We hope this information is helpful and are wishing the best of luck.

NRS

[Guest]

my girlfriend and i both live in the us. she’s 17 and wants out of her parents house but they won’t emancipate and aren’t unfit to where a court would rule in her favor. if she and i were to run away to a different country what are the consequences

[ccsmod15]

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 forum 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