Can a runaway go to hospital?

Yes, a runaway can go to the hospital if they need medical attention. Hospitals are required to provide medical care to anyone who needs it, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay. If a runaway is sick or injured, they can go to the hospital and receive the care they need.

In some cases, a runaway may be afraid to go to the hospital because they are worried about being turned over to the police. However, hospitals are not required to report undocumented immigrants to the police, and they will not do so unless they are required to by law. In most cases, hospitals will only report undocumented immigrants to the police if they are a danger to themselves or others.

If a runaway is worried about being turned over to the police, they can talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or doctor, who can help them get the care they need without being afraid of being reported to the police.

Here are some additional resources that can help you if you are a runaway and need medical attention:

- The National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)

- The Covenant House Nineline: 1-800-999-9999

- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678