When a minor leaves their home without permission from either their parent or guardian, it is termed “running away”. A minor is under the control of his or her parents until the age of 18. If said minor does run away, the police can be contacted, and will pick up the child and bring him or her back home. The key is finding the minor. He or she may be staying with friends. If this is the case, the parents of these friends should contact the police and let them know that the minor is on their property. If this does not happen, the parents can be charged for harboring a minor. If a minor runs away because of the atmosphere and conditions of the home shared with his parent or parents, and there is proven neglect, sexual, physical or verbal abuse going on, then he or she will be placed in a foster home.