If a 16-year-old ran away from her custodial father to live with her non-custodial mother can the mother go to jail for harboring a runaway?

Answer 1

No, your mother wouldn't go to jail, but it would be wise for her to phone and tell your father you are safe and with her. She had no part in you running away and ending up at her home. It's possible your father has custody of you. In this case your mother should go to court to get custody of you and all you have to do is say you would prefer living with your mother. These arrangements have to be approved by your mother, of course. It is very confusing and difficult when parents divorce or are separated and often the children of the family don't realize the legal implications of why they either have visitation rights (the children may not want to see one parent, but have to visit them) and also why a mother may not be able to take children in to live with them. Raising kids today is extremely expensive, and most men make more wages than women. For a woman to start over again in her life is difficult. This doesn't mean your mother doesn't love you. You are old enough to be able to sit down with your mom and discuss what arrangements she made with your father and go from there. You can ask her if you could live with her.

The police would pick up the 16-year-old and return her/him to the father, unless there was some allegation of abuse, in which case, you better able to prove it because those are serious charges. And the mother could possibly be charged with something along the lines of 'custodial interference' (because even though the mother is a 'parent' to this child, she does not have custody)/harboring a runaway/etc.

Answer 2

In most jurisdictions, the non-custodial mother could potentially face legal consequences for harboring a runaway minor. It is important to consult with a legal professional or local authorities to determine the specific laws and implications in the relevant area.