How to Help a Runaway Friend

[Jurinonymous]

Hello,

A friend of mine is in a terrible home situation. Her mother is a drug addict, and the father as far as I know of is not in the picture. She's wanting to leave state and come stay in the state I live in. I have no intention of keeping her in my house, because I know it would get me in legal trouble. She plans on doing all this herself, but could I get in trouble for knowing about her leaving home? There isn't anything I can do to stop her, and I'm not helping her get here, so would this affect me?

Thank you

[Dogmatique]

A responsible person would tell this minor that she is being foolish and would then stop contact.

You live in a different state. Exactly how much do you think you know about her mother being a drug addict? Not that you've told us where you're located (which is required on this site). If her mother is so bad, why hasn't anyone (ie, you) contacted child services?

[Mr. Knowitall]

One thing you can do in any state is call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and see if you can get help for your friend.

[Mercy&Grace]

If she is being abused or neglected at home, you need to call CPS. They will go into the home and investigate and determine if what the child says is true.

Do you really think that if things are as bad as your friend says they are that someone wouldn't have called CPS by now ? You aren't even sure if the father is in the picture. How well do you know this friend ? How often have you been in her home and seen her mother ?

[cdwjava]

Do you actually KNOW this girl? Or, is your entire relationship built on on-line posts, chats, texts, and maybe a couple of phone calls? If this is a long distance relationship and it began online, then you need to either call the authorities or walk away ... this has T-R-O-U-B-L-E written all over it! Especially if you are an adult and a potential love interest!

I have seen your situation repeated very often over the years. VERY often! And I have heard teenagers - especially teenage girls - spin elaborate tales of woe to gain sympathy from well-meaning acquaintances who get sucked into a maelstrom of drama and potential legal consequences.

Be uber careful! Things are likely NOT as you believe they are.