Policy
Any juvenile needing medical attention or evaluation shall be transported directly to the HCMC Emergency Room or other area hospital, if necessary. This policy includes those who:
- Have ingested or are suspected of ingesting drugs or other dangerous substances.
- Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Have observable physical injuries that may require medical attention; are requesting medical treatment; or if officers have reason to believe that medical attention is needed.
- Display signs of mental illness and/or are considered to be a danger to themselves or others.
Note: A juvenile taken to the hospital for only medical care and no other offense can be released to a parent/legal guardian by the hospital.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.
- Juvenile: An individual who is under the age of eighteen (18) years.
- Parent/Legal Guardian: "Parent" means the birth or adoptive mother or father of a child and does not apply to a person whose parental rights have been terminated in relation to the child. A legal "guardian" is a person who has been appointed by a judge or social services agency, to take care of a minor child (to include foster parents).