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17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
AlmostEternity
Posts: 11 Settling in
Hi everyone,
I’m 17 (turn 18 on July 8, 2026) living in Georgia with my dad. The home situation has become really hard to handle. There are a lot of strict rules (early bedtime even though I’m awake later, very limited entertainment options, no real privacy with devices), constant criticism that I’m “not going to make it,” yelling and cursing over small rule breaks, and feeling like my mental health struggles aren’t being taken seriously (we’ve acknowledged possible issues but no follow-through on evaluation or help). It’s mostly emotional and controlling pressure rather than physical, but it’s wearing me down a lot. I don’t want to involve child protective services or frame it as full abuse. I just can’t keep living like this.
I’ve decided to leave soon, most likely today or tomorrow after school. My plan is to stay with a close friend who knows what’s going on and is okay with me being there short-term. I’ll keep attending high school and focus on making it to 18. I don’t have a job yet, no personal phone or tablet (dad took the tablet), but I can use school computers or public library resources.
My main questions:
In Georgia at 17, if I leave without full parental permission (or after calmly telling my dad I’m going), what usually happens if a parent reports me as a runaway? I’ve read that juvenile court involvement for runaways/CHINS is mostly for kids under 17, and police often do a welfare check but don’t force a return if the person is safe, stable, and close to 18. Is that how it tends to play out in practice?
If I tell my dad tonight something like “I’m leaving to stay somewhere safe—I’ll be okay and still in school,” but don’t give the exact location or details, does that usually lower the chance he’ll report me? What if he immediately threatens to call the police or gets very angry? What is the best way to de-escalate and leave safely?
For the friend who would let me stay: What are the real-world risks of “harboring” a 17-year-old in Georgia? I know it’s technically a misdemeanor in some cases, but I’ve seen it’s rare when the situation is low-conflict and the person is close to 18, at least online.
If things go sideways (police show up at the friend’s place, or my dad pushes hard), what are good backup options for youth in Georgia (crisis shelters or youth housing for ages 16–24)?
Any advice on safely getting official copies of documents (SS card, birth certificate) after I leave, renewing an expired learner’s permit, or accessing basic aid/support once I’m out? What about getting a job?
I feel more settled now that I’ve made the decision. I actually slept better last night knowing I’m moving forward. I just want to do this as safely and low-risk as possible. Any thoughts or experiences would be really helpful. Thank you.
Thanks,
AlmostEternity.
I’m 17 (turn 18 on July 8, 2026) living in Georgia with my dad. The home situation has become really hard to handle. There are a lot of strict rules (early bedtime even though I’m awake later, very limited entertainment options, no real privacy with devices), constant criticism that I’m “not going to make it,” yelling and cursing over small rule breaks, and feeling like my mental health struggles aren’t being taken seriously (we’ve acknowledged possible issues but no follow-through on evaluation or help). It’s mostly emotional and controlling pressure rather than physical, but it’s wearing me down a lot. I don’t want to involve child protective services or frame it as full abuse. I just can’t keep living like this.
I’ve decided to leave soon, most likely today or tomorrow after school. My plan is to stay with a close friend who knows what’s going on and is okay with me being there short-term. I’ll keep attending high school and focus on making it to 18. I don’t have a job yet, no personal phone or tablet (dad took the tablet), but I can use school computers or public library resources.
My main questions:
In Georgia at 17, if I leave without full parental permission (or after calmly telling my dad I’m going), what usually happens if a parent reports me as a runaway? I’ve read that juvenile court involvement for runaways/CHINS is mostly for kids under 17, and police often do a welfare check but don’t force a return if the person is safe, stable, and close to 18. Is that how it tends to play out in practice?
If I tell my dad tonight something like “I’m leaving to stay somewhere safe—I’ll be okay and still in school,” but don’t give the exact location or details, does that usually lower the chance he’ll report me? What if he immediately threatens to call the police or gets very angry? What is the best way to de-escalate and leave safely?
For the friend who would let me stay: What are the real-world risks of “harboring” a 17-year-old in Georgia? I know it’s technically a misdemeanor in some cases, but I’ve seen it’s rare when the situation is low-conflict and the person is close to 18, at least online.
If things go sideways (police show up at the friend’s place, or my dad pushes hard), what are good backup options for youth in Georgia (crisis shelters or youth housing for ages 16–24)?
Any advice on safely getting official copies of documents (SS card, birth certificate) after I leave, renewing an expired learner’s permit, or accessing basic aid/support once I’m out? What about getting a job?
I feel more settled now that I’ve made the decision. I actually slept better last night knowing I’m moving forward. I just want to do this as safely and low-risk as possible. Any thoughts or experiences would be really helpful. Thank you.
Thanks,
AlmostEternity.
"So put your best face on everybody, pretend you know this song everybody, come hang!"
4
Comments
Unfortunately this website and its community are UK based, so I don’t suspect anyone has the correct information to be able to answer your questions. It is very different here in the UK as you can legally leave home at 16 without your parents consent, but there are obviously protections in place until someone turns 18.
I’m guessing you have already done this, but if there’s a government website for your state then it is worth having a look on there to see if you can find any information. I would look it up for you but I don’t know if it will display in search results over here.
Failing that, there may be charities or other organisations that would at least be able to provide you with information, and maybe even support if you reach out to them.
The @TheMix staff team might also DM you in the morning with more ideas (this would be from 9am our time, so the middle of your night).
I think anyone would agree that the most important thing is that you are safe, so if your friends house is a safe place, i doubt you or they would get into trouble for having you there (at least they wouldn’t here).
I hope you manage to find the info you need and take care
Can I check, how safe are you feeling currently today?
You may be able to find further support at: Hotline – Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) to speak with a trained NRS staff member or volunteer who will listen and support you.
If you are feeling at risk of danger due to those around you, you may find support at: https://www.thehotline.org/.