2012 Wyoming Statutes
TITLE 14 - CHILDREN
CHAPTER 3 - PROTECTION
14-3-208. Temporary protective custody; order; time limitation; remedial health care.

(a) When a child is taken into temporary protective custody pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405(a) and (b), the person taking custody shall immediately notify the local department of family services office and place or transfer temporary protective custody to the local department of family services office as soon as practicable. The local department of family services office shall:

(i) Accept physical custody of the child;

(ii) Make reasonable efforts to inform the parent, noncustodial parent or other person responsible for the child's welfare that the child has been taken into temporary protective custody, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(iii) Arrange for care and supervision of the child in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting necessary to meet the child's needs, including foster homes or other child care facilities certified by the department or approved by the court. When it is in the best interest of the child, the department shall place the child with the child's noncustodial birth parent or with the child's extended family, including adult siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts or uncles. Prior to approving placement with the child's noncustodial birth parent or extended family, the department shall determine whether anyone living in the home has been convicted of a crime involving serious harm to children or has a substantiated case listed on the central registry established pursuant to W.S. 14-3-213. The department may leave the child in the care of a physician or hospital when necessary to ensure the child receives proper care. A neglected child shall not be placed in a jail or detention facility other than for a delinquent act;

(iv) Initiate an investigation of the allegations; and

(v) Assess the child's mental and physical needs, provide for the child's ordinary and emergency medical care and seek emergency court authorization for any extraordinary medical care that is needed prior to the shelter care hearing.

(b) The law enforcement or medical provider shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child taken into temporary protective custody and placed in its care pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405 without a court order.

(c) Temporary protective custody shall not exceed forty-eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays.

(d) When the court orders the child into the legal custody of the department pursuant to W.S. 14-3-409(d) or 14-3-429, the department shall:

(i) Accept legal custody of the child;

(ii) Continue or arrange for, care, transportation and supervision of the child as provided in paragraph (a)(iii) of this section;

(iii) Assess the child's mental and physical health needs and provide for the child's ordinary and emergency medical care;

(iv) Arrange for the provision of the education of the child, including participation in individualized education or developmental services;

(v) Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop treatment recommendations for the child;

(vi) Perform any other duties ordered by the court relating to the care or custody of the child.