Run Away and Live on the Streets As a Teen

Though the previous message for a runaway said such could be very dangerous, and yes the possibilities of rape, death, and more are existent. It may be better to run away if you are sincerely under a lot of stress. Don't run away for something stupid, like if your parents didn't give you something you wanted. Run away if they are truly mean and you are under a lot of pain or pressure.

Steps

1. Consider your options carefully. If this is a temporary problem (anger or feelings), please consider other options. Running away is extremely dangerous and should only be used as a very last resort. If you are being physically or sexually abused, please call the authorities or a trusted adult. These people can find a good foster home for you to live and charges will be pressed against whoever is abusing you. Sit down and think about it. - Are you sure you want to run away? Weigh up the pros and cons of doing so. Never run away if you didn't get your way with your parent(s). And if you do leave, be careful not to get caught. You'll most likely be retained in jail if you're young. In most states it is considered a crime, and think about it before you stay at a friend's or boyfriend's house. They could be arrested for harboring a runaway.
2. Find a place to stay. Options include a homeless shelter, a friend's house or a cheap apartment - somewhere you feel safe. Remember, if you're on your own you will need to find a real job, but if you are very young, it is not legal to hire you; you may have to lie about your age. You would need a social security card (but you can be traced by its use through income tax and such), and you may have difficulty to be hired without your parent's permission because of your age. Young, broke, without ID, and alone is not going to work.
   • Going the legal route may get you into a good foster home, but maybe it will not work out that well. But, you are much more likely to be safe. You need to be realistic.
3. Be prepared to answer questions. Some people will make inquiries about your background. They will want to know where you're from, why you're there and such. You will need answers. You may wish to give yourself a fake identity. A name and a quick backstory will do in the case of socializing, but be careful not to go over the top. Make it sound convincing and true. In some cases you will need an elaborate and well planned identity, so be prepared. Stick with one identity, instead of making up several. You may wish to fake a foreign accent, but only do it if it is not too conspicuous, and you know where it comes from, so people don't ask as many questions.
4. Practice answering common questions. This will give you an idea of what questions you may be asked when applying for a job, and you can prepare a good answer for then, including:
   • Why do you want to work here? (Why does the work or opportunity appeal to you?)
   • What are your plans for the future? (Don't over brag. Don't be overqualified, or they may, often, assume "you're too good for the job".)
   • What do you like about this work, shop or company? (Give a sincere reason for your compliment - or it will, probably, sound false or shallow.)
5. Consider leaving a note telling your parents/guardians that you have left and why you have left, so then they know that you haven't been abducted. Of course, if you have been truly abused and are planning to never come back, then their assuming this can come in handy. It all depends on your situation.
6. Don't just leave, read the "Things You'll Need" section below, and take as many of those things you can and anything you think will help.
7. Keep in mind the prime times to get away. This are: right after your parents go to sleep, early in the morning as if you went to school, or after school (but only if your parents have a job that keeps them occupied after school). Travelling alone at night can be dangerous, so going in the morning is safer.
   • 10 - 120 seconds: Be sure! Get going as fast as you can, and get on a bike, or get to a bus or subway station. You should not drive because you will likely be too young. Also your folks will eventually discover that their car is missing, and driving can slow things down. It is also unsafe. (Look as calm and composed as possible, and avoid becoming a target. Be dressed like you are going to school or your grandmother's house, not like you are going to a party, and don't wear expensive jewellery.) Get as far away from home as possible, to reduce the temptation to go back. Most importantly, get a grip.
   • 2 - 180 minutes: Fear of the real world is what will nab you now. Walk to a place you know well and enjoy visiting, such as a park, store or library. Sometimes people skip this step, so if you do, try to get as far away from your house as possible. Pace yourself, you've got a long journey ahead of you.
   • 3 - 72 hours: Now you're on your own (unless you're with someone else, which is not recommended), go to somewhere your family won't think to look for you. Try to make it to another town or state. Make sure you don't have friends or relatives who live there. Do not go to relatives unless they are supportive of you leaving. Otherwise they will just call your parents to come get you.
   • 3 - 365 days: Again, try to get to a different state or town. You will need to get a job to pay for an apartment.
     • A college town is a good choice, there may be several cheap rooms around, and people expect young adults (who may look very young) to be looking for a job and for places to stay, so do some searching. If you want to save time and search online, go to an internet cafe. Look like a conservative student, not like you are going to a party.
8. Search for a stable job and living arrangement. If you're running away with a friend, make sure you're both on the same page about what you want out of this, where you're planning to go next and what your limits are.
9. Bring money and a backpack with lots of change, extra clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, a cloth, shampoo and a hat/umbrella.
10. Mobile phones can be useful, but it is a good idea to change your phone number and/or SIM card because they can be used to track you.
11. Don't bring a credit/debit card. Your parents or police can most likely track you on that, Example: If you buy something with a credit/debit card, most likely your parents or police will track where you used it, and who knows, you may not be too far from there, and that will most likely mess you up and get you caught.
12. Remember to take a mat, a sleeping bag or some cardboard to lie on when you sleep otherwise your back muscles can tear and almost freeze, and it will also keep you warmer. Exposure is deadly in cold weather. If it is very cold, you may wish to stay in a homeless shelter instead of outdoors. Shelters are safer and warmer, although you must be prepared to answer questions on arrival.
13. Needle and thread can help a lot when you're on the streets to patch up torn and damaged clothes and to sew buttons onto clothes. Bring a small or "travel" sewing kit that is easy to carry around.
14. Bring a tarp or poncho to keep yourself dry during the night.
15. Take care of your hygienic needs in a private bathroom, such as washing your hair in the sink, brushing your teeth, and washing your body with hand soap and a cloth. You can use the change to wash your clothes at a laundromat.
16. Keep most of your paper money, ID card, social security card and credit card, in your underwear. If it feels gross, wear two pairs and keep it between them. This way if you happen to get mugged they take the change in your bag and think that's all. Bring a small handbag with a few coins in, so muggers can take it instead. They might steal your shoes, also - so don't keep it in obvious places such as shoes, socks, back pockets or anywhere visible. Don't keep money in your bra, in case someone peeks down your shirt and sees it there, or knows that women hide money there. Bring lots of paper money, because coins can rattle and make you more attractive to muggers. You will likely need at least $1000.
17. Remember to eat and drink; don't get dehydrated. Don't take too much food; take a few days' supply of food that you don't need to cook (canned, dried, frozen etc) It is more important to bring money. If you run out of food, go to a Costco or somewhere with lots of free handouts. Say you're waiting for a friend, and don't linger.
18. Go to a church, mission, internet cafe or public library for warmth.
19. Never admit that you have any money. If someone says, "I saw you with some yesterday," say you've spent it all, even if you haven't.
20. Don't waste money on cigarettes or alcohol. You will regret it. Never take unbooked minicabs, use drugs or resort to prostitution.
21. If you are choosing to run away permanently, cut and dye your hair a natural colour that won't attract attention. Wear simple, inexpensive and non-conspicuous clothes you have never worn before. Don't wear lots of jewellery -- that will make you a target. If you wear glasses, choose a different frame for them. Walk in a different way than you usually do: people can often be recognized by their movements. For example, if you usually dawdle, walk quickly, or vice versa.
22. Panhandle for extra money. Being young, always stay near somewhere public, like a library, or a big store, in case someone tries to kidnap you. A general rule of thumb: if someone tells you they'll give you a room for the night, say no. Don't sleep in a forest or a park, you could get yourself killed or get mugged. Sleep in a dark doorway, near somewhere that stays open all night and is lit up. You don't want to get raped/mugged/killed while you're sleeping peacefully.
    • College campuses are generally safe places, often with buildings that open for 24 hours and will provide a shelter, but look the part with a spiral notebook and a thin college text (realize that they do have campus patrol officers who will see you and be suspicious, if you seem to be camping or sleeping outdoors. That is not allowed, so you need a good place to do it safely). Janitors will turn you in if you are sleeping/making a place in areas where they have to clean. If you ever need help, go to a friend, then run away, so she/he won't call your parents or the police.
23. (Remember, running away can ruin your life...only do so if you are desperate) And if you are think of how your family will react and feel if you run away. Think of what you would do if your kid ran away.

Tips

• You may find it useful to prepare a fake name if you are put in a situation where someone asks you who you are.
• If you talk to someone who you know, then quickly travel to a different state. Because if the police tell them that you are missing, they will most likely say "Oh yes, I saw her walking down Parameter Road." And if you stay you will get caught. (this is mostly the first 3 days you have run away for.)
• Figure out where you are going to go and do some research: look for cheap areas, homeless-teen shelters, etc. But realize that any legitimate shelter will ask why you are not at home, etc. Your story needs to seem real and desperate.
• If you don't plan on going back, dye your hair in a handicapped or private bathroom (not the kind with stalls, but only one room) and cut it also. Wear different clothes than the ones you left in so your parents can not identify you. (You can leave wearing really simple clothes to not arouse suspicions, and change into the better, conservative clothes later on).
• Newspapers are one of the warmest insulating materials available, take advantage of this cheap material and stuff your sleeping bag and clothes with them; and if you're living in a field or urban area, you might burn them later if you have a lighter/matches.
• Ladies, you may want to at least shave your legs. Shaving with a razor in a public restroom could be time consuming. Bring some Nair or Veet or something similar. Most of them only take a few minutes to get the job done and they're a lot easier than razors in the long run.
• Research runaway shelters in your state and neighboring federations.
• Visit a church, mission, or public library for warmth, or an internet cafe for the internet. You could update the hardships of street life on a blog to pass the time or even mingle with other teens your age who are experiencing similar circumstances.
• Don't carry a picture of your family; you're likely to get upset and go back home.
• Debit or credit cards should be brought, but only just in case. Take one that won't be noticed as missing, and use it only in absolute emergencies (if you run out of cash and there are not other options). Then get far away because it can be tracked fast and easily. Never use it on transportation or for a place to stay because it can tell authorities where you are going, even in taxis. For transport, buy tickets or pay with cash.
• Try talking about difficult and abusive parents to a social worker or trusted adult. This should release any stress your parents have imposed on you by letting it out and can ultimately lead to a full resolution in a tactile way.
• Always think of a better solution than running away. You may just need to talk to your birth/foster parent(s). But if they are too hostile, dangerous, drinking alcohol and using elicit drugs, remember to always think smart and be proactive!
• Do not bring friends along with you. They can slow you down and make it easier for the cops to track you. Plus, it's harder feeding two, and they might fall prey to drug and alcohol use, and could coax you to do the same.
• Get lots of sleep the night before you run away, you want to be fully energized for the day.
• If you want food urgently, go to a supermarket; take some eatables in your pockets without being seen and head to the bathroom for a quick meal.

Warnings

• Drugs are used to hook you, so then they can put you into prostitution and drug-pushing, etc. Never do drugs, even if you don't have to pay for them. Sure, they're free the first time, but what about all the other drugs you may need once you're addicted?
• It's a good idea to carry a (well concealed) weapon like pepper spray, a legal pocket-knife or a metal rod, or carry a baseball bat. Buck knives are better than boy scout knives, because if you had to stab someone up to the handle with a Boy Scout knife it probably will just hurt and cause grief. Only be violent if you absolutely have to. If you bring a gun it can get you arrested and sent home. Never threaten anyone. Even then, bring a knife in case you run out of ammo. It is hard for first timers to shoot a gun, because it is human nature of sane people to dislike the finality of death they bring. You may think you can shoot and not be able to when it comes time, so bring a knife! Also make sure you have easy access to your weapons, but that no one else does! It should cause you to freak out when you injure someone and cause regret and self questioning every time after.
• If you are drunk or high it is easy for people to hurt/rape/steal off you - so don't get drunk or high.
• Don't 'conserve' water. If you are thirsty, drink.
• Don't tell anyone that you have money on you. If they ask you, say no. If they say "I saw you with some yesterday" say you spent it all, even if you didn't. Then they check your bag, find the change, and leave and you still have the rest, on you in your underwear.
• Guns may be illegal and cause problems in your area, but when it comes to handguns, use one that is practical and accurate. Shells should be relatively cheap. Also, if your gun has a safety, use it, because it can blow your leg off - literally. Do not fall for faulty, used guns! They can easily blow up in your hand and kill you. Do not buy guns from shady people, no matter how good a deal it may seem. If you buy it in a legal gun shop (as in, if you have a license to buy and to carry) ask for a demonstration beforehand. They will not give you one if they know or suspect that the gun could explode in their hands. Also remember that bullets that didn't fire once may fire the next time, so assume that it will fire, but don't risk your life expecting it to fire.
• Don't do it for fun or kicks, and never do it when you haven't tried everything else to solve the problems that are making you want to leave!
• If you can't handle it, don't run away. Consider the other options. If your home is unsafe call a social worker and they will put you in a foster home.
• Running away is never good. It is irresponsible and never is the right answer. If you choose to run away, but regret it, you will be on your own and have a ruined life. Choose wisely.
• Don't let anyone buy sex from you. They could do a lot more than you want, hurt you, rob you, rape you and not pay you. In other words, it's a bad idea.
• Don't smoke or spend money on cigarettes or alcohol, you will regret it. Keep the money for things you need like food, personal care products, and toothpaste. If you absolutely need these things, get them beforehand or steal them from your house on the way out.
  • Always put water first, then food, because you can go for days without food, but you can't go days without water. Also put hygiene, being clean and neat, before pleasures.
• You might also live with your relatives, but if you cannot, then try to go into a foster home. A juvenile/family court judge can send you to foster care.
  • If you have no friends or relatives that you can stay with then just remember to be safe.

Things You'll Need

• Sleeping bag, blankets, or sufficient layers of clothing
• Mat or cardboard to sleep on (optional)
• Money (including change for laundromat)
• Bottle of water (keep the bottle)
• Large backpack
• Small handbag (optional)
• Good trainers or boots
• Socks
• "Travel" sewing kit
• Changes of underwear
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pads/tampons
• Washcloth and/or soap
• Map
• Small flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Lighter (optional)
• Extra food (that doesn't need to be cooked)
• Can opener (for canned foods)
• Tent
• Garbage bags
• Small weapon, such as a knife/pepper spray (guns are not recommended)
• Pillow
• Diary (optional)
• Credit/debit card (for emergencies only!)
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Two changes of clothes
• Coat or jacket
• Fake name

Related Articles

• Run Away from an Abusive Home
• Help a Friend Who Wants to Run Away from Home
• Run Away from Anyone in Any Physical Condition
• Live in Your Car
• Live on the Street
• Run Away From Home

See also

• Run Away from an Abusive Home
• Run Away Intelligently
• Run Away from Home As a Teen
• Run Away With Your Boyfriend
• Help a Friend Who Wants to Run Away from Home

What links here

• Run Away From Home
• Live on Your Own at a Young Age
• Run Away from Home As a Teen