C.M.R. 10, 148, ch. 10 - RULES FOR SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY CARE

SUMMARY: Short-term emergency services are provided without court action by the Department of Human Services Child Protective Services to make available immediate services to children who are "abused, neglected, or otherwise seriously endangered, or a runaway," and who are in need of emergency services and resources. These time-limited services are provided for up to 72 hours, or less if the child can safely be returned to the care of his own family or another appropriate plan is made for his care, such as court-ordered custody.

When the child is receiving care outside his home and he is not abused, neglected, or seriously endangered, or a runaway", services under this statutory authorization will not be needed, e.g. when:

Parents enter into an independent written agreement with a child care facility or another competent person for the care of their child.

Another appropriate agency under different statutory authorizations arranges for or provides shelter and/or other child care (e.g., juvenile court intake worker, or program for mentally retarded or mentally ill children).

Another competent person, on his own volition, provides care to a child when parents are absent or otherwise unable to enter into a written agreement (e.g., temporarily mentally or physically incapacitated).