Running Away to Another Country

[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

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

[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

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.

[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.

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?

[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

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?

[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.

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.

[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

[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

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.

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 ?

[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