Thousands of teenagers run away from home every year.
Even if life at home is becoming unbearable, running away might
not be the best option, even if it seems like the only one.
For many teenagers, the actual decision to run away is taken on the
spur of the moment. This means that someone who runs away has
not thought about:
- where they will sleep
- how they will get money
- the effect their decision will have on their family
If you are thinking of running away from home you might want to
consider these legal facts.
- The law does not consider anyone under 16 as able to live
independently.
- When anyone under 16 stays with someone who is not
their parent/carer for 28 days or more, the person caring for
them is considered a "private foster carer." See this page on our site for
more details.
- Anyone who detains or takes a young person under 16 may be
guilty of the criminal offence of abduction. Similarly,
anyone who encourages a child to run away from home may be
prosecuted.
You may find our page on homelessness will give
you some useful advice. If you are in care we also have a page on
leaving local authority
care.
Below are a few website addresses to help you further.
ChildLine
advisers are trained to help with any problems that you’re having
at home that are making you think about running away.
The
Runaway Helpline is for those under 18
who have run away or thinking of running away from home and
need advice. Telephone no. 0808 800 7070
Get
Connected provide a national helpline for those under
25. Telephone 0808 808
4994, email help@getconnected.org.uk or
webchat at www.getconnected.org.uk
Connexions
Direct is there to help all young people on a
variety of issues. There is a webchat facility on their
website. Tel:- 080 800 13 2
19 Text on
07766 4 13 2 19
This
page tells you what happens when someone
is reported as missing.
This
direct.gov page gives you more information.
You can also call Cambridgshire
Constabulary on 0345 456 456 4 to help trace
missing people.