Oregon Runaway Laws

Oregon Runaway Laws Summary:

• Age: Minors under 18 (or under 21 if still dependent) must remain in legal custody of parents/guardians.
• Status Offense: Running away is a non-criminal status offense, not a crime.
• Police Response: Officers may take runaway youth into custody and return them home, but are not required to arrest. Many departments prioritize connecting youth with services over enforcement.
• Youth Rights: Runaway minors retain rights to food, shelter, medical care regardless of immigration status.
• Resources: Shelters, counseling, job training, mediation services available statewide.

Help: National Runaway Safeline — 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or 1800runaway.org — confidential, 24/7.