2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 32A-6-17 — Convalescent status.

32A-6-17. Convalescent status.

A.     The head of a residential treatment or habilitation program may release an improved involuntary child on convalescent status when the head of the program believes that the release is in the best interests of the child. Release on convalescent status shall include provisions for continuing responsibility to and of the program.  Prior to the expiration of the child's involuntary placement period, the director of the residential treatment or habilitation program shall re-examine the facts relating to the involuntary placement of the child on convalescent status and, if the director determines that in view of the condition of the child involuntary placement is no longer appropriate, the director shall discharge the child.   

B.     Prior to the discharge, the director of the residential treatment or habilitation program from which the child is given convalescent status may at any time re-admit the child. If there is reason to believe that the child should be returned to the residential treatment or habilitation program, the director may issue an order for the immediate return of the child.  The order, if not voluntarily complied with, shall, upon order by a judge of the district court of the county in which the child resides or is present, authorize any peace officer to take the child into custody and transport the child to the residential treatment or habilitation program.