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 ii have been happy in love with my boyfriend for a year now my mum keeps telling me she dose not want me in the house any more but every time ii move out with my boyfriend she calls the police and says I'm missing ii just want to move in with my boyfriend but I'm only 16 ii just wish they would let me get on with my life and do what ii want can you help me please x
Answer Hey there Danielle,
At 16, you are old enough to make your own decisions about what it is you want from life and where it is you want to go. As long as you are safe, happy and healthy and you can complete you compulsory education, then there is not really leagal grounds for the Police to get involved.
If your mum is telling you to leave but then calling the Police and reporting you missing, then she is not only making extra work for the Police but is also making things difficult for you.
If you are genuinely unhappy and concerned about where you are living either because you feel in danger or you feel that your physical or psychological well being is being hindered, then you may want to consider discussing this issue with your local social services to seek their advice.
If your boyfriend has someone to live that he can afford, that is clean and safe; and he is happy for you to move in and can prove that you can both survive on the monies coming in, then if the Police did get involved, as long as you could prove this is where you genuinely wanted to be, there should be no or little reason why they would make you return home even if your mum says you are missing: but this is not guaranteed.
The best thing you can do is to visit Shelter's website for more info before you make any big decisions: www.shelter.org.uk or you can discuss this through an e-mail, telephone conversation or online chat with a Connexions Advisor that will be able to advise you on your situation at: www.connexions-direct.co.uk.
