In emergency circumstances, which statement describes temporary protective custody?

• A. The agency may not act without a court order.
• B. The agency may remove a child only with parental consent.
• C. The agency may take a victim into temporary protective custody without a court order.
• D. The agency must wait until the next school day.

Answer: (C)

In emergency circumstances, keeping a child safe requires immediate action. Temporary protective custody allows the agency to remove a child from a dangerous or potentially injurious situation right away, without waiting for a court order. This power is exercised to prevent imminent harm and to secure the child’s safety while the appropriate legal steps are arranged. That’s why this statement is the best answer: it reflects the urgent protective authority granted in emergencies to act without a court order.

The other possibilities don’t fit because they imply waiting for permission or delay. Requiring a court order before acting would delay protection when danger is present. Needing parental consent would similarly place the child at risk, as the guardian’s consent might not be provided in a crisis. Waiting until the next school day would leave the child exposed to ongoing danger. Once the child is placed in temporary protective custody, the agency typically notifies the parent or guardian as soon as practicable and proceeds with the appropriate steps to determine ongoing custody and safety.