What Happens if You Run Away from Home

[HelpMe998]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: North Carolina
HI, I'm sixteen, going to be seventeen next month. My mom took me out of school in 7th grade and has not put me back in since. I don't mind If I have to be on my own with no help from the government, that's really what I prefer. I just want either to have a job or to be able to get my education.

Is not having your child in school a crime, and what number do I call for that?

If I do run away, what am I facing (Legally wise).

A foster home is ok (I don't know much about foster homes), but I would prefer to be on my own. I don't want anything on my record.

Also, our living situation is not legal (I believe). As, I, a boy should not be sharing a room with my mom and sister.

Please Help!

[Dogmatique]

There are no laws against having to share a room with your mother and sister.

If you feel that you're being abused, contact child services.

Otherwise, you live where your parent says you can live. Running away can leave you with a criminal record, along with anyone who harbors you.

[HRinDEVON]

But of flip side MOm is required to provide for your support thru age 18.

[HelpMe998]

Thank you for your answers. But what do I with my education? When I'm 18, will there be a program for me to be able to finish 7th grade and up? (And I know in VA there is a law again having the opposite sex share a room below the age of 18)

[cbg]

Please post a link to said law.

[Dogmatique]

Thank you for your answers. But what do I with my education? When I'm 18, will there be a program for me to be able to finish 7th grade and up? (And I know in VA there is a law again having the opposite sex share a room below the age of 18)

Feel free to post that law.

The only time room-sharing is an issue is when it's a foster situation. Otherwise, there is no such law.

[Taxing Matters]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: North Carolina
HI, I'm sixteen, going to be seventeen next month. My mom took me out of school in 7th grade and has not put me back in since.

And you’ve not been getting any homeschooling or anything? If that’s the case, then shame on your mother. Public education is one of the most fundamental benefits we give kids to ensure they have at least the basic knowledge they need to succeed. North Carolina has a mandatory education law that requires parents/guardians to ensure their kids are in school between the ages of 7 and 16. Failure of a parent/guardian to comply with that law is a misdemeanor offense. Contact the NC State Board of Education to find out how to report the failure of your parents to have you in school. They may refer you to the truancy officers of the school district you should have been attending. It may be able to do something to get you into school now even though you are age 16 and no longer subject the mandatory education law. It can also sanction your mother for keeping you out of school.

Also, our living situation is not legal (I believe). As, I, a boy should not be sharing a room with my mom and sister.

While not ideal, perhaps, there is nothing illegal about that. It’s common in a lot of U.S. households today for each kid to have his/her own room, but no law mandates in which room people sleep. Unless there is something sexually inappropriate going on here the law won’t help you with this.

I don't mind If I have to be on my own with no help from the government, that's really what I prefer.

As for living on your own free of your parent’s control before you reach age 18, that is known as emancipation. You have to petition a court for that, and the applicable North Carolina statute is found here: NC emancipation law. But unless you can prove to the court that you are already self-supporting, you realistically won’t succeed in getting a court to grant the emancipation petition.

[HelpMe998]

Thank you. I don't want to make my mom even more mad and still be under her athurity. She would just make my life harder. What happens after I report not being educated for the last 3 years?

[Mercy&Grace]

I find it odd that you haven't been going to regular school nor home schooled for 3 years and no one has reported this. They don't have to know much about you to report you. Also the school system usually keeps up. with students that should, by law, be in school
It may take them a while, but not 3 years.

[CourtClerk]

What county do you live in? I'll provide you with the number you should call regarding your situation.