CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT 2007 (NO 37 OF 2007) - SECT 57 Authorised officer may move child

CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT 2007 (NO 37 OF 2007) - SECT 57

    (1)     The officer may:

    (a)     enter the place to apprehend the child; and

    (b)     either return the child to the child's usual place of residence or, if it is not practicable or appropriate to do so:

        (i)     move the child to a safe place; and

        (ii)     keep the child at the safe place; and

        (iii)     make any arrangement for the care and protection of the child at the safe place.

    (2)     The officer may use any reasonable force or assistance in acting under subsection (1).

    (3)     The child may be cared for at the safe place until the resumption of the care of the child by a person (a responsible person ) who has daily care and control of the child.

    (4)     The officer must, as soon as practicable after moving the child:

    (a)     take all necessary steps to inform a responsible person about moving the child; and

    (b)     if the officer is a police officer – inform the CEO about moving the child.

    (5)     The exercise of the officer's powers under subsection (1) does not:

    (a)     affect any power, right or responsibility of a responsible person in relation to the child; or

    (b)     prevent the officer or any other person from holding, at a later time, the belief that the child is in need of protection.

    (6)     In this section:

"safe place":

    (a)     includes:

        (i)     a place where the child may be temporarily kept for the child's safety (including a part of a police station not normally used to detain a person); and

        (ii)     a place specified by regulation; but

    (b)     does not include a prison, lockup or any other place that a person may be remanded in custody.