(A) If a child committed to an inpatient facility or a residential treatment program is absent without proper authorization, the facility or program director immediately shall notify the appropriate state and local law enforcement officials and the parent or legal guardian of the absence by telephone. The notice also must be confirmed in writing and mailed to the law enforcement officials, parent, or legal guardian within twenty-four hours after the absence is discovered.

(B) A law enforcement officer, upon the request of the facility director or his designee and without necessity of a warrant or a court order, may take the child into custody and return him to the program or facility.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 44-24-200

  • Child: means a person under the age of eighteen years. See South Carolina Code 44-24-10
  • Court: means the probate court unless otherwise specified. See South Carolina Code 44-24-10
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Law enforcement officer: means a state, county, or city police officer, officer of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, sheriff, or deputy sheriff. See South Carolina Code 44-24-10
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