Can you live by yourself at 15 in Australia?

Runaways under the age of 18 might be made to come home by their parents, who still have an obligation to support them. The police, if they become involved, will use their judgment to figure out if the child would be safer at home or elsewhere.

Getting Help

There are different services available for abandoned children, depending on which State or Territory they are in. One service in NSW is Link2Home, which is a homelessness information and referral telephone service for homeless people or anyone at risk of being homeless, or even just someone who is advocating for a homeless person. Link2Home has a 24/7 hotline at 1800 152 152.

Other services include First Point in Canberra, ACT. ShelterMe, a housing service for NT. The WA Alliance to End Homelessness, in Western Australia. Safe steps, a 24/7 family violence support service in VIC. Brisbane Youth Service, a registered Tier 3 housing provider in QLD. Housing Connect, for emergency accommodations or long-term homes in TAS. And HYPA Housing (Helping Young People Achieve) in SA.

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No matter what state or territory a child in need might be in, they can always get help through Centrelink – the Centrelink Master Program of the Department of Human Services. Centrelink can help you get the services or support that you need, like Youth Allowances for students, or Orphan Pension for children with at least one deceased parent.

If you were exposed to a dangerous or violent situation at home, then you might want to get in touch with the Family Advocacy and Support Service of your State or Territory. They give free legal advice and support to the victims of domestic and family violence, such as abandoned children.

Parting On Good Terms

So, if a parent can’t simply abandon their child, can they house the child elsewhere? They can, provided they fulfill their legal obligation to support the child financially, and to make sure that they are properly housed, fed, and cared for. There is no actual age specified by Australian law for a child to live apart from their parents, so as long as they’re properly supported, kids can live away from their parents’ home even before the age of 18.

The child can ask to live elsewhere, such as with grandparents, uncles and aunts, or in some cases even on their own in state or school-sponsored housing. All they need is the permission and support of their parents, including financial support, as well as a safe place to stay.

So, when can a parent legally cut off their child financially? 18 years old is the cutoff point; there is no Australian law the obligates parents to continue supporting their adult offspring. In fact, an adult child that refuses to leave home can even be charged by their parents for squatting, breaking and entering, and even threat of bodily harm!

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Reaching adulthood also means the end of parental authority, so your parents can no longer stop you from leaving home if you really wanted to. Their permission is no longer required by law when you reach 18.

When leaving home as an adult, make sure you get a hold of your identification documents, such as your passport and birth certificate. Consider getting a job that will pay for rent and living expenses before leaving the nest. Even as an adult, you might still qualify for financial assistance from Centrelink, such as Rent Assistance or Youth Allowance.

Leaving home is always a big step, so make sure to do it the right way, and to do it for the right reasons. Parents should remember that it’s still a daunting world out there, and they should make sure their children are prepared to face it when they finally step out on their own.

In Queensland you’re expected to live with your parents or legal guardians until you are 18—but there’s no law that says you must stay at home until then.

Once you turn 16, you won’t normally be forced to return home by the authorities as long as you’ve got a safe place to go and you can financially support yourself.

If you’re under 18 and leave home, the police and Child Safety may investigate the reasons why you left home. They can apply to the court for a child protection order if they think you’re in need of protection from harm.

Before leaving home or changing your living arrangements, you should get legal advice.

If you or someone you know is in danger because of where they are living or staying, call the police. It is a matter for the police whether they take action. In an emergency, call 000. Get legal advice.

Moving out is a big decision. It's a good idea to talk to someone you trust and think about what it will mean. As a guide, you can start making decisions about your future and how to live your life when you understand what the decision involves and its consequences.

If you and your parents aren’t getting along there might be someone who can help you and your family talk things through. This could be another family member, a trusted friend or a trained counsellor.

Before you move out you should consider what personal items you’ll need to take with you, for example:

• personal documents
• clothes
• school books
• personal belongings

You might need another family member or a trusted friend to help you negotiate this with your parents.

When moving out, you should also be aware of the following legal requirements:

• Going to school
• Employment laws
• Having sex
• Changing your name
• Going to the doctor
• Young driver laws

When can I move out?

In Queensland you’re expected to live with your parents or legal guardians until you are 18—but there’s no law that says you must stay at home until then.

If you are under 18 and leave home, the authorities (eg the police and the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy) may not force you to return home if you’ve got a safe place to go and you can financially support yourself.

When deciding whether to intervene the authorities will consider:

• your parents' attitude
• your maturity level
• your access to satisfactory accommodation and income
• if you’re in a safe place.

Centrelink benefits are usually only available once you turn 16 (if certain conditions are met). If you are under 16 they can be made available under special circumstances.

The police and Child Safety can investigate the reasons why you left home. If they think you’re in need of protection from harm or abuse they can make an application for a child protection order. This order will say where you should live.

Children in need of care or under a child protection order

There are laws to protect children and young people who aren’t being properly cared for, don’t have a safe place to live or are suffering harm (such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect).

If someone thinks you’re in need of protection they can contact Child Safety with their concerns. This could be anyone concerned about you. Some people, like doctors, nurses, teachers, police and child advocates with the Office of the Public Guardian are required by law to tell Child Safety if they suspect you have suffered significant harm, are suffering significant harm or at an unacceptable risk of suffering significant harm.

If you, or someone you know is in danger call 000.

If Child Safety thinks you need protection they will make an application to the Childrens Court for a child protection order. This could include Child Safety being given responsibility of deciding where you should live. This could be—with your parents, another relative or a foster parent. If you’re under a child protection order and you want to change where you live you’ll need to talk to your child safety officer. You should get legal advice.

Parenting orders from the family court

Parenting orders made by the family court no longer apply once you’ve turned 18, and you’re free to choose where you want to live.

If you’re under 18 and you want to change a parenting order you should get legal advice.

Do I need legal advice?

You may need legal advice if you:

• want to leave home because you don't feel safe or you don't get along with your parents
• want to live with your other parent
• want more contact with the parent you don't live with, or you want to see more of your brothers and sisters
• know there are court orders about you and you want them changed.

Get legal advice

We may provide legal advice on moving out of home, or other issues about your family situation.

The following organisations may be able to give legal advice:

Community legal centres give legal advice on a range of topics. Contact them to find out if they can help with your matter.

Lawmail is a free email legal advice service for people under 18.

Youth Advocacy Centre provides a community legal and social welfare service for young people up to 18 years.

Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private solicitor for advice or representation.

Who else can help?

These organisations may be able to help. They don’t provide legal advice.

Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs is responsible for protecting children and young people from significant harm or who are at risk of significant harm, and whose parents cannot provide adequate care or protection for them.

Office of the Public Guardian is an independent body, working to protect the rights and interests of children and young people in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care), residential care, youth detention and other supported accommodation.

Create is a not-for-profit organisation helping young people placed in out-of-home care, including young people unable to live with their parents and who may be living in foster care, with relatives or community, group homes or some other form of independent living.

ReachOut.com offers information for young people about dealing with family and other relationships, and learning to manage independence.

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What rights do 15 year olds have in Australia?

Is it legal for a 15 year old to leave home?

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