As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:(1) 'Department' means the department of children's services;(2) 'Runaway' means any person under eighteen (18) years of age who is away from the home or residence of such person's parents or guardians without such parents' or guardians' consent. 'Runaway' does not include persons under eighteen (18) years of age who lawfully reside with a close relative or those attending educational institutions, or those placed by court order, on a contractual agreement with a parent or guardian;(3) 'Runaway house' means any house or institution giving sanctuary or housing to any person under eighteen (18) years of age, who is away from the home or residence of such person's parents or guardians without such parents' or guardians' consent; and(4) 'Sanctuary' means a house, institution or other organization providing housing or accommodations to runaways as set forth in this part.Acts 1976, ch. 683, § 2; T.C.A., § 37-1602; Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 73.
Tennessee Legal Code