What happens if you are reported as a runaway?

What happens if you are reported as a runaway?

Police Can Detain Runaways Regardless of whether a particular state recognizes running away as a status offense, police can always take runaways into custody. The options available to police include: returning them home. convincing their parents or guardians to temporarily let them stay with friends or family.

Is it illegal to let a runaway stay with you?

Allowing a minor who has run away from home to stay in your house without alerting the police and their parents, is illegal. You could be charged with Harboring a Runaway (also called Aiding and Abetting), or Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

What is the punishment for hiding a runaway?

If a person is accused of harboring an escaped prisoner, they may face a fine up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison. One of the best defenses to harboring a fugitive is that the accused withdrew their support from the fugitive.

Is a runaway a missing person?

NCMEC defines an Endangered Runaway as a child under the age of 18 who is missing on his or her own accord and whose whereabouts are unknown to their parent or legal guardian. These children are highly vulnerable and can experience homelessness when they are missing.

Can a runaway get emancipated?

The 17 year old runaways have the following legal options: Contact the local police or shelter to help them return home. The court may grant guardianship but the parents will still have to provide for the child. The child may ask for emancipation in an emancipation proceeding where they get to become adults.

Can you file a missing person report on a runaway?

There is no time limit that you must wait to report a person as missing, whether he/she is considered missing or a runaway. You do not have to wait 48 hours to file a report.

Can a police officer take a runaway child?

Federal Law prohibits any law enforcement agency from establishing a waiting period before accepting a runaway-child report. Police enter the runaway’s name and physical description into the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC). Runaways who are fleeing an abusive situation and do not want to return home should tell police about the abuse.

Is it illegal to run away at the age of 18?

We aren’t legal experts here at the National Runaway Safeline, but we can speak in general terms about things to consider in your situation. You’re right in thinking that it’s not illegal to runaway once you turn 18. In most states, 18 is the “age of majority,” or age when you become a legal adult.

What to do if a runaway tells the police?

Runaways who are fleeing an abusive situation and do not want to return home should tell police about the abuse. The police must report child abuse to a county child welfare agency for further investigation; emergency shelter might be available.

Is it a crime for a child to run away from home?

In most states, running away is not a crime; however, runaways and their parents or guardians can face legal consequences. 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.