TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I want to run away. I'm not even 100% sure why I want to, but it's all that's ever on my mind. All day I'm constantly thinking about running away. When I'll do it, what I'll bring, where I'll go. And if I don't leave soon I'll go crazy. Problem is, I don't have any money, and I'm not old enough to get a job. Another thing is I'm really scared about what will happen once I come back home. I don't plan on running away forever, I don't know how long but I do want to eventually come back home. I don't know maybe I'm doing it for the attention, or the adventure... But anyway, I know my mom would react like a normal parent, but my dad... Let's just say he has a anger problem. And I'm so scared what he'd do to me once I got home. With him anything is possible and you never know what to expect. And I need to know of a run away shelter someonewhere in Mass. That's where I plan to run away to. But I need a destination, right? So I need to know of a run away shelter for teens there...

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,
It sounds like you have really thought this out and that it has been on your mind for a while. I can understand your eagerness even though i am not entirely sure what you are running from or what is driving you "crazy". You hinted about your dad's "anger problem." This worries me, does your dad abuse you in some way? If this is so, it is very important that you take care of yourself. Whatever your reasoning for running away, i will give you some referrals. Angels flight it a shelter for runaway youths and their number is 800-833-2499. Another place to consider is girls and boys town national hotline and their number is 800-448-3000. I hope these can help you out. Also, do you have any aunts, grandmothers, siblings or close friends near you that you can stay with? This might be a safer and more temporary option to think about. Please feel free to call Teenline at 310 855-hope (4673). We are open from 6-10 nightly.
Take care, Teenline