Pennsylvania Code
Title 237 - JUVENILE RULES
Part I - RULES
Subpart B - DEPENDENCY MATTERS
Chapter 12 - COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS, EMERGENCY, CUSTODY, AND PRE-ADJUDICATORY PLACEMENT
Part B - EMERGENCY CUSTODY
Rule 1210 - Order for Protective Custody

Universal Citation: 237 PA Code ยง 1210

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

A. Application of order. The application for a court order of protective custody may be orally made; however, the request shall be reduced to writing within twenty-four hours. The request shall set forth reasons for the need of protective custody.

B. Finding of court.

1) A child may be taken into protective custody by court order when the court determines that removal of the child is necessary for the welfare and best interests of the child.

2) At the time the court issues a protective custody order, the court shall inquire as to whether family finding efforts pursuant to Rule 1149 have been initiated by the county agency.

3) The order may initially be oral, provided that it is reduced to writing within twenty-four hours or the next court business day.

C. Law enforcement. The court may authorize a search of the premises by law enforcement or the county agency so that the premises may be entered into without authorization of the owner for the purpose of taking a child into protective custody.

D. Contents of order. The court order shall include:

1) the name of the child sought to be protected;

2) the date of birth of the child, if known;

3) the whereabouts of the child, if known;

4) the names and addresses of the guardians;

5) the reasons for taking the child into protective custody;

6) a finding whether reasonable efforts were made to prevent placement of the child;

7) a finding whether the reasons for keeping the child in shelter care and that remaining in the home is contrary to the welfare and best interests of the child; and

8) findings and orders related to the requirements of Rule 1149 regarding family finding.

E. Execution of order. The court shall specify:

1) the limitations of the order;

2) the manner in which the order is to be executed; and

3) who shall execute the order.

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