Is it Legal to Run Away from Home at 13 Years Old?
According to the National Runaway Safeline, running away is the most common form of youth homelessness in the United States, with an estimated 2.8 million youth running away each year. While running away from home may seem like an appealing option to escape conflict or challenging situations, it can have serious consequences, both legal and otherwise.
Legal Status
The legal definition of "running away" varies from state to state, but in general, it is not illegal for a 13-year-old to run away from home. However, there are laws that protect children from being neglected or exploited, and running away can put a child at risk of these dangers.
Potential Consequences
Running away can have legal and non-legal consequences for both the child and their parents. Legal consequences may include:
- Being taken into protective custody by child protective services
- Truancy charges if the child is not attending school
- Criminal charges if the child commits a crime or endangers themselves or others
Non-legal consequences can be even more severe and may include:
- Physical or sexual abuse or exploitation
- Substance abuse
- Homelessness
- Mental health issues
Alternatives to Running Away
If you are considering running away from home, it is important to know that there are other options available. You can talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member, about any difficulties you are experiencing at home. There are also resources that can provide support and assistance to youth who are experiencing conflict with their parents, such as the National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY) or the National Safe Place Network.
Related Questions
- How old do you have to be to run away from home in the US? There is no legal age to run away from home, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved.
- What are the risks of running away from home? Running away puts children at risk of neglect, exploitation, and other dangers.
- What are the legal consequences of running away from home? Legal consequences can include being taken into protective custody, truancy charges, or criminal charges.
- What are the non-legal consequences of running away from home? Non-legal consequences can include physical or sexual abuse, substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues.
- What are the alternatives to running away from home? Alternatives include talking to a trusted adult, seeking support from a resource organization, or reaching out to a runaway hotline.
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