§2405.9. Identification of minor or dependent children of an arrested person; guidelines and
training
A. The Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training shall develop guidelines
and provide training for law enforcement agencies on identifying and ensuring the safety of
minor or dependent children upon the arrest of the child's parent or guardian.
B. The guidelines and training shall include all of the following:
(1) Procedures to ensure that law enforcement officers inquire or otherwise ascertain
whether an arrested person has a minor or dependent under his care, custody, or control at
the time of the arrest.
(2) Procedures for the proper arrangement of temporary care for children to ensure
their safety and well-being with a priority on placing children with supportive family
members and trusted adults.
(3) Education on how witnessing a violent crime or other event causes emotional
harm to children and how law enforcement can assist in mitigating the long-term effects of
the trauma.
(4) Procedures for reporting on the number of instances requiring a referral to a
partner organization or transportation of the child to a child advocacy center when the child
is unable to be placed with a family member.
(5) Procedures to ensure law enforcement officers receive annual training as
mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect in accordance with Children's Code Article
609.
C. The council shall work in conjunction with and receive input from appropriate
nongovernmental organizations and other relevant organizations that are invested in the
rights of children with incarcerated parents to develop and establish the guidelines and
training program required by this Section.
D. Nothing in this Section shall preclude a law enforcement officer's responsibility
as a mandatory reporter to report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with
Children's Code Article 603.
Acts 2021, No. 126, §1.