Can a minor run away from an abusive home?

If you are a minor (under 18 years of age) and you decide to run away from an abusive home, you should be aware of your legal status as a runaway. Though state laws can vary, in general, your parents have a legal right to call the police and report you missing. The police may then try to locate you and bring you home.

Is the parent of a runaway a bad parent?

They just have made a bad decision. They got themselves caught up in something or are feeling pressures that they felt the need to escape from. Instead of facing their problems and solving them, they chose to run from them. Likewise, the parents of teen runaways are not bad parents.

How old do you have to be to stay at a runaway shelter?

A professional counselor will talk to you at the runaway shelter and allow you to stay there if you are at least 12 years of age, you are mature enough to stay in the shelter, and it is clear you are in danger if you return home. Though the shelter staff may tell your parents where you are, your parents cannot simply take you from the shelter.

What to do if you run away from an abusive spouse?

Though state laws can vary, in general, your parents have a legal right to call the police and report you missing. The police may then try to locate you and bring you home. If you are older than 18 years of age and are running away from an abusive spouse, the police do not have the jurisdiction to return you to the home.

If you are a minor (under 18 years of age) and you decide to run away from an abusive home, you should be aware of your legal status as a runaway. Though state laws can vary, in general, your parents have a legal right to call the police and report you missing. The police may then try to locate you and bring you home.

They just have made a bad decision. They got themselves caught up in something or are feeling pressures that they felt the need to escape from. Instead of facing their problems and solving them, they chose to run from them. Likewise, the parents of teen runaways are not bad parents.

Who is responsible for the care of a runaway child?

Adults who encourage or hide runaways can be charged with a crime. Parents are legally responsible for caring for their minor children, even when the child is not living at home. For example, parents can be responsible for their child’s truancy (unexcused absence from school) when the child has run away.

What is a runaway shelter for troubled teens?

A troubled teen who makes the decision to run away from home needs a safe place to stay and assistance in addressing the issues that led to the decision. Runaway shelters are designed to help those teens and can provide assistance to parents and guardians in helping a teen transition back to home. What Is a Teen Runaway Shelter?