(a) When emergency custody or other emergency relief is sought by DSCYF, the Court may issue an ex parte order awarding emergency custody to DSCYF and order removal of a child from the home upon the establishment that:

(1) Continuation in the home is contrary to the welfare of the child; and

(2) Probable cause exists to believe that:

a. A child continues to be in actual physical, mental or emotional danger or there is a substantial imminent risk thereof or;

b. Immediate or irreparable harm may result to the child if such an order is not issued.

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Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 13 Sec. 2512

  • Child: means a person who has not reached the age of 18 years. See Delaware Code Title 1 Sec. 302
  • Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.

(b) Prior to granting an adjudicatory order for DSCYF custody, the Court shall find after a hearing on the merits, or accept the agreement of the parties, that:

(1) As to each parent, the child is dependent, neglected or abused;

(2) It is in the child’s best interests to be in DSCYF custody.

(c) Should the elements of subsection (b) of this section be met, the Court shall also determine after a hearing on the merits or accept the agreement of the parties, the nature and extent, if any, of any contact, sharing of information and/or visitation between the parent and the child. In making such a determination, the Court shall apply the best interests of the child standard set forth in § 722 of this title, unless Chapter 7A or § 728(d)-(f) of this title apply.

77 Del. Laws, c. 43, § ?10;