AboutDaryl Taylor, BSc(Hons) Psychology Expertise As a former youth worker, working in the UK and as a Camp Counsellor in the US, I have volunteered and helped young people from all over the world. I have worked for two or three websites like this in the past since I was about 13/14 and I continue to do so now at the age of 23. I can answer problems on a whole range of issues from friends and family, to drugs, sex, alcohol and relationships etc.
Experience I have worked as a youth worker for local organisations, volunteered on this and other websites giving out information for about 8 years, volunteered at my college and university doing face to face counselling and I have recently worked for an organisation in the UK which specialises in helping young people aged 13-19 to make positive decisions in their lives. I have featured in a UK based magazine called Aim Higher as a case study to show triumpth through adversity and I have recieved an Adult Learner's Award for my pioneering work at college.
Question Hi im jessica from the U.S. and 17 years old.
i was wondering if i am able to move out of my mothers home while i am 17. yes i am still attending school and have no means to quit. and i have 2 jobs. i was going to move in with one of my friends who my mother has told me she believes they are good people. and they are. but i attempted to move out last week and my mom gets ahold of me telling me she will press charges on the family i was currently living with. can she do that? or is it ok for me to move out? im getting so many different answers from many people. some say yes and some say no. i need a definate answer. please help.
p.s. there is nothing wrong at my home life. i just want to be on my own.
jessica
Answer Hey there Jessica,
As far as I am aware, your parents do maintain what is called 'Parental rights and responsibilities' over you until you are 18, but in most cases (usually serious cases of abuse etc), the Police will not intervene if these are violated provided that you can prove that you are safe, happy and healthy.
If you do try and leave hom and 'run away', your parents may have you brought back to them by the Police but unless the other family literally hold you against your will, there is no reason for your family to be able to press charges against them if you are there by choice and are happy.
If your parents do get the Police involved, then it is likely the Police will ask you to sit down and think about why you want to move out now and why it cannot wait until you are 18 and they will probably advise you to stay at home. They cannot however, legally force you, but your parents can keep exerting their right to have you brought home.
I am no legal expert and because the law varies slightly from state to state, I would recommend talking this through with someone in either the welfare services or your local Police station, just to make sure that you do remain within the law and do not end up getting trapped up in a mass dispute.
