Please help! neglect?:
If everything is in order between you and your mother, I see no reason why you couldn't venture off on your own!  Check the local laws and statues in your town.  Usually 18 is the adult age, but there are exceptions to the laws in some areas.  If you go live with a relative and you are "underage", then a guardianship contract would have to be amended by both partys, your parents and your live-in relatives or adult-head of house.  But I really don't think they will make a big thing out of just being one year away from adulthood for you, or anyone else, anywhere!  I say, just pack your bags, and with your mom's blessing, go off and find your destiny my child!  Have fun and stay out of trouble, ok?  LOL