Nebraska Legislature - Nebraska State LawsRunaway Laws by State - Nevada, Utah and Colorado Laws and Penalties.

Runaway laws are found in the United States.If you decide that you need to leave your living situation, we want you to understand the runaway laws in your state, such as the definition of a runaway or if you can file for emancipation.

We are going to cover the Western Mountain states of Nevada, Utah and Colorado.

The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty created Alone Without A Home: A State-by-State Review of Laws Affecting Unaccompanied Youth.

We are not legal experts.Laws can be interpreted in different ways from county to county.We are here 24 hours a day to help you figure out a plan for your situation.Visit us at 1800RUNAWAY.org for more information.

There are two classifications for runaway status in Nevada.Runaway and homeless youth are defined by the McKinney-Vento Act as any youth under the age of 18 who lives in a homeless situation.Without the consent of a parent, guardian, or custodian.

There is a child that is away from home.A runaway child could be classified as a child in need of supervision.Under state law, a child in need of supervision is under the age of 18.

Running away in Nevada is not considered a status offense.A runaway youth can be taken into custody without a warrant in Nevada.The peace officer can either release the youth into the custody of his guardian or deliver him to the juvenile court.A child may be declared in need of supervision by the juvenile court.The court will admonish the youth to obey the law, to refrain from running away again, and to keep a record of the admonition.

It is possible for a youth to petition the state court for emancipation.Any minor who is at least 16 years of age, married or living apart from his/her parent or legal guardian and is a resident of the county may petition the juvenile court of that county for a decree of emancipation.The petition needs to include facts about the minor's education, employment, and time apart from the guardian in order to be valid.

In Utah, the age of a minor is defined as 18 years of age or younger if a juvenile court has ordered the Division of Child and Family Services to provide service.Utah Code Ann.62A-4a-101

Runaway status is defined by Utah as a minor other than an emancipated minor who is absent from the home or lawful residence of the parent or legal guardian without their permission.62A-4a-504.

Running away in Utah is considered a status offense.Under Utah law, a runaway youth can be taken into custody without a warrant.The youth will be released from the custody of his guardian by the peace officer.The peace officer will deliver the youth to a shelter if his guardian can't be found or his welfare is in danger.Utah Code Ann.78A-6-112A youth who runs away may be considered a status offenders by the juvenile court.Utah Code Ann.62A-4a-101

Utah allows youth to petition for their freedom.A minor may petition the juvenile court on his/her own behalf in the district in which he/she resides for a declaration of emancipation.The petition states that the minor is capable of living independently of his or her parents or guardian, and of managing his/her own financial affairs.Unless the court determines that service is impractical, notice of the petition will be served on the minor's parents, guardian, any other person or agency with custody.Within 30 days, the court will schedule a hearing on the matter.

There are several classifications in Colorado.A child is any person under the age of 18.Colo. Rev.Stat.19-1-103A person under the age of 18 is a juvenile.Colo. Rev.Stat.19-1-103A youth is any person who is at least 15 years of age but less than 18 years old.Colo. Rev.Stat.26-5-2010.

Runaway youth are considered homeless by Colorado law.A homeless youth is defined as a youth who is at least 15 years old but less than 18 who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or has a primary night time residence in a shelter, a temporary living institution, or a public or private place not designated for regular sleeping accommodationsStat.The year is 2010

Running away in Colorado is not considered a status offense.A runaway youth may be taken into custody without a warrant by a police officer.The court can make the youth a dependent child.After a youth is declared a dependent child, they may be returned to their guardian or placed in an appropriate living situation under the guidance of the county Department of Social Services.A dependent child can be placed in either the home of the child's guardian or with or without court supervision.A dependent child can be placed in the care of a child care facility or the Department of Social Services.

According to state law, there is no specific statute that addresses the emancipation process, but the state does recognize it in other statutes.An emancipated juvenile is a juvenile over 15 years of age and under 18 years old who has become independent from the guardian in matters of care, custody, and earnings.A minor who has been responsible for his/her own support, married or in the military can be emancipated.

Use our live chat at 1800RUNAWAY.org if you need any more questions.

Are you living in a different state?You can find your state and related information here.