In most states, running away from home is not illegal. This is because the law provides that juvenile courts only have power over juveniles under 17 years of age when they run away or desert home. However, the law requires parents to continue supporting the runaway 17 year old until they turn 18.2019-04-15
Do police look for 17 year old runaways?
YOUTH IN CRISIS LAW The law authorizes police officers to look for runaway 16- and 17-year olds. Police officers who find them may report their location to their parents, refer them to Juvenile Court, take them to an agency that serves children, or keep them in custody for up to 12 hours.2009-04-30