 |
Speak Up! - View Question #159 |
 printer friendly version
Question: Is it unlawful for a minor (16) to runaway? If so what is the punishment?
Answer: If you are in a crisis situation or need counseling, LawForKids.org lists many 1-800 help lines that might be able to assist you. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
If a person is under age 18 in Arizona, he or she cannot leave home without a parent's permission unless he or she is fully emancipated, or the parents have lost their right to parental authority.
If a 16-year-old leaves home without permission from a parent or legal guardian, he or she can be prosecuted as an incorrigible child (A.R.S. § 8-201(15)(c)). Some of the consequences of being found incorrigible include being fined, be placed on probation, and being ordered to do community service. The specific charges and consequences are left up to the officer of the court.
If the parent cannot control the child, the child can be removed from the parent's supervision. The child may then be placed in an appropriate living place, a foster home or some type or a state facility.
Even if the parent does not report the run away, Child Protective Services can become involved if the minor living away from home is not receiving age-appropriate supervision, is engaging in harmful conduct, does not have adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or is living with an inappropriate person.
You will not be punished by being jailed, or fined, but running away will cause you a lot of problems. You may also cause problems for any adult who helps you.
|
| Comments |
| 6 thru 10 of 33 comments |
1 [ 2 ] 3 4 5 ...
|
|
On 01/22/07
Delia from TX said:
At what age can you leave your home in Texas?????
I really need to know
|
On 04/05/06
carrie from VA said:
i am 16 years old and have a job , and have two roommates lined up for when i can move out.at first i was wanting to move out at 17 but my mom took over $150 of mine without asking me and that made me really mad because that money was being saved up for collage,car,class ring,and when i was going to move out. she says i am not responsable but i think it is her who is not, if she was she would not have to take my money that i worked hard for , for the last 4 months!!!
|
On 10/07/05
M from NY said:
hey what if you mother's driving u insane. my people follow me around everywhere. i cant go out, i have to come straight home. i am tired of this. they dont trust me for nothing. my mom everyday tells me she hates me n cant wait till i die. so i want to leave but i have no idea what to do? how to do it?
|
On 09/03/05
Linda from AZ said:
If I'm 16 and have a job, i should have the right to leave and start my adulthood since i am already in the working world. The biggest part of being an adult is being able to support yourself and hold a job. (WHICH I HAVE DONE!!!)
|
On 01/05/05
cassie from AZ said:
i believe that we should beable to leave to another state and live with a friend if our home situation isnt good i want to leave to michigan but i am afraid of being charged for running away. I just want to live a happy life with a friend i love and care for alot and that needs me ther, her grandma said i could live with her. is this stupid?
|
| 6 thru 10 of 33 comments |
1 [ 2 ] 3 4 5 ...
|
|
|
