(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), if a child voluntarily enters an emergency shelter or a shelter care facility, the shelter or facility shall notify the department, not later than twenty-four (24) hours after the child enters the shelter or facility, of the following:
- (1) The name of the child.
- (2) The location of the shelter or facility.
- (3) Whether the child alleges that the child is the subject of abuse or neglect.
- (b) The department shall conduct an investigation concerning the child not later than forty-eight (48) hours after receiving notification from the emergency shelter or shelter care facility under subsection (a).
- (c) The department shall notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian that the child is in an emergency shelter or a shelter care facility not later than seventy-two (72) hours after the child enters the shelter or facility. However, if the department has reason to believe that the child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, the department may not notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian as to the specific shelter or facility the child has entered.
- (d) An emergency shelter or a shelter care facility is not required to notify the department of a child who is an emancipated minor.
As added by P.L.133-2008, SEC.11.