§ 5303. Procedure for runaway children

(a) If an officer takes a child into custody pursuant to subdivision 5301(3) of this title, the officer shall deliver the child to:

(1) the child’s custodial parent, foster parent, guardian, custodian, or noncustodial parent lawfully exercising parent-child contact; or

(2) a shelter designated by the Department pursuant to section 5304 of this title as qualified to assist children who have run away for the purpose of reuniting them with their parents, guardian, or legal custodian.

(b) Upon delivery of a child to a shelter, the shelter program director or his or her designee shall notify the child’s parents, guardian, or custodian that the child has been taken into custody and make reasonable efforts to mediate the differences between the parties.

(c) A child may remain at a designated shelter for a period not to exceed 21 days.

(d) Upon expiration of the 21-day period or sooner at the request of the child or the custodial parent:

(1) the child shall be released to his or her custodial parent, foster parent, guardian, custodian, or noncustodial parent lawfully exercising parent-child contact; or

(2) an officer shall seek an emergency care order pursuant to section 5302 of this title.

(e) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the custody status of the child shall remain the same during the period of time the child is at the shelter. (Added 2007, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; amended 2017, No. 9, § 1, eff. April 25, 2017.)