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      RUNAWAY ALTERNATIVE CHOICES include, Americorps, Job Corps, the military, & others. Insights, resources, & opportunities for independence & help for the young person.

      Empower Youth

      See state statutes by topic for the laws of your state on minors rights. They are, also, available by checking the state law at your local library. Some relevant legal topics include the following: labor laws for minors, parent consent laws, removel of disabilities of nonage through emancipation, compulsory school attendance, etc.

      A minor may go before a court, by petitioning it, and request such rights as the following: the rights of adulthood through emancipation, exemption from laws restricting work, the right to marry. A judge considers what is in the best interests of the minor. For emancipation, a minor must be capable of taking on the responsibilities of adulthood and be able to provide for their own welfare with employment. Laws made to restrict employment of minors are traditionally made to prevent child labor, so a parent's desire is important on this issue. In other issues, if the parent's are arbitrarily counter to the individual's best interests, a judge may still rule in favor of the best interest of the minor.

      The U.S. Department of Labor gives minimum ages for employment and work hours for minors.

        The ACLU advocates civil rights for those at a disadvantaged including youth.

        Of interest to students is ACLU - Students' Rights.

      Part of being an "adult" is getting out there and making a niche for yourself, and that involves working with people. And so to make your adult rights a reality just be nice with people, and be courteous. Think of someone you know who is reasonable, and nonchalant, or firm minded, and imagine yourself projecting some of those traits.

      Is it parent's verses teenagers?

      Parent's position

      I have the right, and responsibility to "look out" for you, and you would be disrespectful to "upset the balance" by trying to change the rules and be more independent.

      Your position(s)

      I've been thinking about the statues quo and realize it as being unfair. Well, that was only natural when I was a baby, and on up, when I did not know right from wrong and could not be respected enough to be responsible for myself, but I think that I have gained enough knowledge to make the right choices for myself, just like anyone else. And, I understand that it's only fair to help out around the house, etc. as I like home, but I wish the wonderful benefit of living here did not come with certain "strings attached". Then lead into the issue to be brought up...
      Note, you are asking up in a way to ask for a change in someone
      else's house when you are totally dependent. Hence, the
      phrasing of your desires in the most non-offensive
      language possible. Note, when you leave the front door
      control should not follow unless your actions cause
      negative consequences- which are unfair for others.

      In a way I want to be an "adult", but yet be able to enjoy my time here, and not have to endure unnecessary restrictions, like those a person must face eventually, like a boss, and control over your time, and actions, etc. Is it really necessary for me to be "trained" to see how life can be tough.

      I want to feel home is a positive place where I can enjoy life, when within my living space here, while I work (if you do really work). I do not think it is beneficial for me to endure extra restrictions.

      Note, idea, basic concept is "restrictions on are an
      unnecessary infringement on me."

      This type of logic appeals to parents and can be a good lead into delicate issues.

      A more to the point analogy...

      I want you to put yourself in my shoes, and think if these restrictions would be acceptable if, and maybe when the roles are reversed. Say, hypothetically, I get a career and a wife and kids, and say he/she (other parent) has passed on, and you were to have an accident, that could happen to anyone, that was debilitating, and prevented you from working. Or, maybe you were fired from a job based on a form of discrimination as I, myself, would face discrimination when attempting to support myself. Let's say the bills could not be paid and you needed to stay with someone you could trust, and you stayed at my house for extended time, being supported by me. Would I have your blessing to treat you the same as you treat me? Examples: rules, restrictions, etc. (extending beyond the front door). And would you be willing to comply as this is truly your philosophy of life?

      Question:


      Would it be an acceptable risk
      to take a drug that makes you feel
      like your in heaven, and experience
      that feeling for 4 times, if you KNEW
      that a lifelong reduction in your quality of
      life (happiness) would occur?
      If your answer is no then consider this.
      One in four Americans are infected with a venereal
      disease, and having sex with four will probably get
      a person V.D. Can you imagine yourself dealing
      with a venereal disease? Would you be willing to
      disclose with people you want to be intimate with,
      later, that you have a disease? Even more scary,
      many times a person can have something and have no
      clue themselves. Sometimes the world is cruel, and
      sometimes exercising a freedom will reduce more
      freedoms forever. Click here for a reality check.
      Note, The health information page on STD's is under
      construction, however do not be mislead into believing
      that condoms are sure prevention. One, condoms break;
      Two, they are mass produced and companies are allowed
      to sell a few condoms per thousand which contain holes.


      Going to Camp

      Resident Camp

      Stay from five days to eight weeks. Sleep in many forms of shelter, and there are many supervised activities.

      Day camp for ages 5-15

      They are coed, and are basically resident camp, except without sleeping quarters.

      Travel and Trip camp

      Participants move themselves by horseback, or self- propelled means, and carry sleeping essentials with them. Nights are spent in group campsites, usually in a park.

      People with Disabilities can take advantage of special programs. Contact the American Camping Association, or a local social service agency, like the United Way, Easter Seal Society, etc.

      Session length can fit any schedule. Sessions may be from 5 days to 8 weeks. Some facilities operate all year, and some offer special seasonal programs.

      Fees vary from 15$-55$ per day for programs operated by non-profit agencies, youth groups or public agencies.

      This year's current guide to accredited camps can be ordered for $16.95 delivered to your home with a credit card at 1-800-428-CAMP.
      Or, previous years issues are readily available at the library.

      There is an entry level job opportunity for youth in a disadvantaged situation, who are from a low income family, who have dropped out of high-school, who do not have a history of serious behavioral problems, and who want to get started in life. It's for people age 16-24. It is a U.S. Department of Labor Program called the Job Corps.

      AmeriCorps programs have a diverse group of members numbering over 20,000. The AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) program is a one year program for people age 18-24 to live on one of five campuses. They perform community services, and after a year they receive an education benefit of $4,725. One benefit during service is a modest living allowance (including health insurance and childcare for those needing them).

      These structured programs, aside from the military, will offer a minor hope, but there may even be another opportunity for young people of all ages, who are willing to get a job to help support themselves, in an alternative home. See emergency shelters under Links for unique programs for abused youth like YOUTH ON THEIR OWN/YOTO. However, in the military a person can be a shining success in life, and lets face it you deserve that.

      How would you like a company bigger then any Fortune 500 company beg to give you any career you want, and offer a benefits package including some of the following: free medical, a months paid vacation each year, and financial stability, etc? Well, you can, and you can even try it out with no obligation. Are you 11 to 18 years old, and interested in trying out Recruit Training with no obligation? The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps may be just the program. It does cost money, but it gives graduates from the two week "boot camp" an edge if they enlist. It's, also, a good resume builder for an officer training school.

      U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

      U.S. citizens who are high school graduates may become Merchant Marines. Your attendance is free. Must be appointed by Congressman, or Senator. Write to your Representative, or Senators and express interest. The minimum age requirement is age 16, and if under 18 the parent's or guardian's signed consent is required. An applicant must present acceptable evidence of citizenship, two photographs, evidence of a drug test, and pay application and issuance fees.
      See the U.S.M.M. information brochure, or a more information on Maritime Education.

      Could the Coast Guard be for you?

      Check out the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

      If you're an overachiever, it might be worth trying to qualify to become an officer straight from High-School, but most people get a college degree first. Also, many get on the inside track by completing High-School in a military academy. Various books about military life and opportunities are at libraries.

      Academies of branches of the armed services:

      U.S. Air Force Academy web site.

      U.S. Naval Academy web site.

      U.S. Military Academy

      Education

      Traditional education only faster

      Credit by examination through CLEP testing can have a number of benefits for your education. Of interest, is the fact that a young person could accumulate college credit (before he/she is eligible for college due to age requirement, etc.) and present college admission officers with transcripts proving up to about a third of the credit required for a degree.

      Thinking of college as your senior year in high-school

      Tired of the "same old, same old" at high-school? Why not be an early bloomer in life, and start building your future in college, or even join the military. Anyone can be an "overachiever" to the extent that they can attend college at age 16 (or at almost any age). A person simply needs a letter from the school counselor approving of your attendance at a community college. A college has a better, more "adult", environment, and people are there to study.

      If we were only smart enough to be the wiz kid who can make it into Medical Doctor when he is still in single digits in age. Though, that's out of reach, it is quit possible for a person to start college at almost any age. If a person is smart enough to get a sufficient well rounded education, then depending on your state's law on the age a person may discontinue schooling (from 0-16), a person can discontinue High School for a year. Then, with the aid of various G.E.D. review courses, take the G.E.D. a year after discontinuing school, and once he/she passes he/she simply needs a letter of recommendation from the high-school counselor to take college classes early. CLEP exams may help greatly to show your competence at college studies. This choice of education may be one path a person joining the military might consider, however another unique choice may be to obtain a fully accredited High School Diploma through correspondence from Thomson Education Direct or class.com. In the case of a Diploma through correspondence it would seem as if the people giving the correspondence degree would need to send a letter recommending college classes early for a person under 18 (which they would surely be willing to do), instead of a previous High School, of which you would not be a student. In any case, it would be useful to check with your prospective college.

      Nashville Auto-Diesel College

      Good things can be said for the Nashville Auto-Diesel College. These "Greasemonkeys" can really make a living because of increased computerization of cars requires trained repair people. They will take people who have a H.S. Diploma, or a G.E.D. along with an acceptable high-school transcript. They help you put together a financial package to cover tuition (only). Their program is only one year and gives you valuable hands one experience. A person could work part time, while in training, to defer some of the costs of room and board. The job placement rate for graduates is very high, and you can come out a job almost for sure. If you were homeschooled and have a GED, then maybe a letter signed by the person who taught the homeschool (the "principle") would be considered acceptable.

      See information on Financial Aid for college students from the Department of Education at the Web site.

      Click to continue on with Job Opportunities...

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