What age is a child allowed to leave home?
A child can leave home without the permission of a parent or guardian once they reach the age of 18. However, parents and guardians have little recourse if a young person leaves home at 16 or 17. Parents may be able to bring wardship proceedings to ensure their child returns home, but the court is unlikely to force the young person to go home if they do not want to. If the young person is under 17, and there are concerns for their safety, the local authority could apply for a care order.
