When can I leave home?

A child can leave home at 16, but only with their parents' consent. The Childcare Act 1991 defines the age of majority (the age at which a child becomes an adult) as 18. At this age, there is no consent required.

If a child leaves the care of their parents' without their consent and goes somewhere where it is perceived that their well-being is being put at risk, the Health Services Executive (HSE) or the Gardai can be asked to intervene. However, situations like this are usually resolved without having to involve the Gardai.

It is also important to note that you cannot receive social welfare assistance until you reach the age of 18 and are at least three months out of school. A 16 year-old can leave school and get a full-time job, but will still need the consent of his/her parents to leave home.

For information and advice for teenagers, contact:

ISPCC Teen Focus
Crosscare Teen Counselling
Teen Between - Support for teenagers of separated parents
Belong to - support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Ireland