US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      38-1524.   Same; removal of child from scene; duties of agencies. (a) When a report to a law enforcement agency indicates that a child may be harmed, the law enforcement agency shall promptly initiate an investigation. If the law enforcement officer reasonably believes the child will be harmed, the officer shall remove the child from the location where the child is found as authorized by K.S.A. 38-1527 and amendments thereto.

      (b)   Whenever any person furnishes information to the state department of social and rehabilitation services that a child appears to be a child in need of care, the department shall make a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the interests of the child require further action be taken. Whenever practicable, the inquiry shall include a preliminary investigation of the circumstances which were the subject of the information, including the home and environmental situation and the previous history of the child. If reasonable grounds to believe abuse or neglect exist, immediate steps shall be taken to protect the health and welfare of the abused or neglected child as well as that of any other child under the same care who may be harmed by abuse or neglect. After the inquiry, if the department determines it is not possible to provide otherwise those services necessary to protect the interests of the child, the department shall recommend to the county or district attorney that a petition be filed.

      History:   L. 1982, ch. 182, § 21; L. 1983, ch. 140, § 21; L. 1988, ch. 138, § 4; July 1.