2009 Louisiana Laws TITLE 46 Public welfare and assistance :: RS 46:1431 Missing and exploited children information clearinghouse; establishment; definitions

CHAPTER 14-A.  MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN

§1431.  Missing and Exploited Children Information Clearinghouse; establishment; definitions

A.  There is hereby created a Missing and Exploited Children Information Clearinghouse within the Department of Children and Family Services.  The clearinghouse shall be operated by the office of human development.  The secretary shall establish services deemed appropriate by the department to aid in the location of missing and/or exploited children.

B.  The clearinghouse is established as a central repository of information regarding missing and/or exploited children.  Such information shall be collected and disseminated to assist in the location of missing children and the reporting of exploited children to the proper agency.

C.  As used in this Section:

(1)  "Exploited child" means one whose health or welfare has been harmed by any person, responsible or not for the child's health or welfare, which harm occurs or is threatened through nonaccidental sexual contact which includes sexual abuse as defined in Ch.C. Article 603.

(2)  "Missing child" means any individual under the age of eighteen years, whose temporary or permanent residence is in Louisiana, whose location has not been determined, and who has been reported missing to a federal or state law enforcement agency.

(3)  "Missing child report" is a report prepared on a form designed by the Department of Children and Family Services for use by private citizens and law enforcement agencies to report missing children information to the Missing and Exploited Children Information Clearinghouse.

Acts 1985, No. 899, §1.