§ 27A-15-31 — Apprehension and transportation of minor for involuntary commitment--Separation from adult detainees or patients.

After examination of a petition filed pursuant to § 27A-15-30 , the chair of the county board may order the apprehension and transportation of a minor who meets the criteria in § 27A-15-30 , for involuntary commitment to an appropriate regional facility other than the center. A jail may not be used for the custody of a minor. However, a juvenile detention facility may be used for pre - hearing custody if the availability of other appropriate regional facilities has been explored and exhausted. If an appropriate regional facility maintains a separate unit for minors, a minor may not be confined with adult detainees or patients. A minor may not be confined in an appropriate regional facility that does not maintain a separate unit for minors until the availability of other appropriate regional facilities maintaining a separate unit for minors has been explored and exhausted. If a minor must be placed in a facility that does not have a separate unit for minors, the minor shall be provided separate sleeping quarters and, to the maximum extent possible, separate day areas. Adequate supervision shall be provided. Effective January 1, 1993, appropriate regional facilities shall have a separate unit on which minors may be confined.

Legislative History

SL 1991, ch 220, § 321; SL 1999, ch 139, § 2.