TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I want to runaway. I don't know if there's anything you can say that will change my mind. But I do have a few questions I was wondering if you could help me with. Okay, well I need a runaway plan so... Can you please give me the name and or address of a runaway shelter in Massachusetts? It has to be in MASSACHUSETTS. That's where I plan to runaway to. Also do you have any idea's of how I can make some quick cash? I'm 14 so getting money's kinda hard... I know your gonna wanna know why I want to runaway, so I'll just spare you the question. My dad drinks and smokes and I really don't like him.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Thanks for sending us an email. I'm sorry to hear about you strained relationships with your dad. It must be really hard to watch him smoke and drink. It's hard for any teen to watch their parents abuse themselves in that way. Do you have any close friends, family members or a school counselor that you could talk to about the problems you are having with your dad? Also, I think you really consider the repercussions of running away from home. It can be really dangerous and if at all possible, I think you might want to consider staying at home. Instead of running away do you think you could stay at a friend's house? However, if you do choose to run away then you call the National Runaway Switchboard at (800) 621-4000 and they can give you a listing of shelters in Massachusetts. Also, you are going to want to make sure you have a safe way of getting to a shelter if you choose to run away. It can be really dangerous out on the streets and you want to make sure that you are safe. If you want to talk more, you can call us collect at (310) 855-HOPE or you if are in California, you can call (800) 852-8336, we are open from 6-10 P.M. PST. You can also try our live chat.
~ a TEEN LINE teen