17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
 

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.

P.S. I figured this might fit somewhere else or get better attention elsewhere, but given the overall context is 'family' I stuffed it here.

Re: 17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
 

Re: 17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
 

Thank you. Unfortunately, the permit is expired. I also don't have my birth certificate or know where it is located. But perhaps this weekend if I'm with that friend I'll go down there of the city I'm in. I know the city I was borne in, so perhaps I can also check there eventually, too.
I managed to find my social security number online, but I don't have my card.

Re: 17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
 

Hey there, sorry to hear things difficult enough that you're considering leaving home.


I'm not sure if you've looked this up already but the age of majority in the US state of Georgia is eighteen. This is the age when you are no longer considered a minor and can leave home at free will. I know you're close to becoming of age but have you ever considered emancipation? The process might take longer than six months and the situation seems urgent enough that you're not able to wait that long.


For official documents look online to see where you can get these. A search on Google says that you go to the Department of Health's vital records office in Atlanta to get your birth certificate. For your SSN# you'll need to contact the Social Security Administration. For the learner's permit, I would go to your local RMV and apply again for testing but you'll need to be driving with someone over a certain age like 21 or 25.

I hope you're able to get some place safe soon! Maybe someone else will come along with more suggestions.

Re: 17 in Georgia(United States) – Planning to Leave Home
 

My main problem with emancipation is that it costs money with the courts(although there are waivers and other stuff). But it also requires proving I'm either able to support myself, and my situation will be tenuous at best initially once I leave. In addition, I'm not sure whether he'd give permission or not, and though my easiest route would be to prove it would be best for me to leave my home, I really don't want to get authorities or school staff involved because it will become a headache. I considered emancipation but looking at all the technicalities I just don't want to deal with it. And it's just built up to a point where I can't deal with stuff anymore. So it wasn't really something where I felt the need to leave or consider leaving as an option before. But I've always been mentally looking for an exit, and this is the best route for me.