Policy Text
Policy
339Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentChild and Dependent Adult Safety - 1Child and Dependent Adult Safety
339.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that children and dependent adults are not left without
appropriate care in the event their caregiver or guardian is arrested or otherwise prevented from
providing care due to actions taken by members of this department (Penal Code § 833.2(a)).
This policy does not address the actions to be taken during the course of a child abuse or
dependent adult investigation. These are covered in the Child Abuse and Senior and Disability
Victimization policies.
339.2 POLICY
It is the policy of this department to mitigate, to the extent reasonably possible, the stressful
experience individuals may have when their parent or caregiver is arrested. The Garden Grove
Police Department will endeavor to create a strong, cooperative relationship with local, state and
community-based social services to ensure an effective, collaborative response that addresses
the needs of those affected, including call-out availability and follow-up responsibilities.
339.3 PROCEDURES DURING AN ARREST
When encountering an arrest or prolonged detention situation, officers should make reasonable
attempts to determine if the arrestee is responsible for children or dependent adults. In some
cases this may be obvious, such as when children or dependent adults are present. However,
officers should inquire if the arrestee has caregiver responsibilities for any children or dependent
adults who are without appropriate supervision. The following steps should be taken (Penal Code
§ 13517.7(b)(1)):
(a)Inquire about and confirm the location of any children or dependent adults.
(b)Look for evidence of children and dependent adults. Officers should be mindful that
some arrestees may conceal the fact that they have a dependent for fear the individual
may be taken from them.
(c)Consider inquiring of witnesses, neighbors, friends and relatives of the arrestee as to
whether the person is responsible for a child or dependent adult.
Whenever reasonably possible, officers should take reasonable steps to accomplish the arrest of
a parent, guardian or caregiver out of the presence of his/her child or dependent adult. Removing
children or dependent adults from the scene in advance of the arrest will generally ensure the
best outcome for the individual.
Whenever it is safe to do so, officers should allow the parent or caregiver to assure children or
dependent adults that they will be provided care. If this is not safe or if the demeanor of the parent
or caregiver suggests this conversation would be non-productive, the officer at the scene should
explain the reason for the arrest in age-appropriate language and offer reassurance to the child
or dependent adult that he/she will receive appropriate care.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Child and Dependent Adult Safety
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/24, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentChild and Dependent Adult Safety - 2339.3.1 AFTER AN ARREST
Whenever an arrest is made, the officer should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of
the arrestee’s disclosed or discovered children or dependent adults.
Officers should allow the arrestee reasonable time to arrange for care of children and dependent
adults. Temporary placement with family or friends may be appropriate. However, any decision
should give priority to a care solution that is in the best interest of the child or dependent adult. In
such cases the following guidelines should be followed:
(a)Allow the person reasonable time to arrange for the care of children and dependent
adults with a responsible party, as appropriate.
1.Officers should consider allowing the person to use his/her cell phone to facilitate
arrangements through access to contact phone numbers, and to lessen the
likelihood of call screening by the recipients due to calls from unknown sources.
(b)Unless there is evidence to the contrary (e.g., signs of abuse, drug use, unsafe
environment), officers should respect the parent or caregiver’s judgment regarding
arrangements for care. It is generally best if the child or dependent adult remains
with relatives or family friends that he/she knows and trusts because familiarity with
surroundings and consideration for comfort, emotional state and safety are important.
1.Except when a court order exists limiting contact, the officer should attempt
to locate and place children or dependent adults with the non-arrested parent,
guardian or caregiver.
(c)Provide for the immediate supervision of children or dependent adults until an
appropriate caregiver arrives.
(d)Notify Child Protective Services or the Division of Aging and Adult Services, if
appropriate.
(e)Notify the field supervisor or Division Lieutenant of the disposition of children or
dependent adults.
If children or dependent adults are at school or another known location outside the household
at the time of arrest, the arresting officer should attempt to contact the school or other known
location and inform the principal or appropriate responsible adult of the caregiver’s arrest and of
the arrangements being made for the care of the arrestee’s dependent. The result of such actions
should be documented in the associated report.
339.3.2 DURING THE BOOKING PROCESS
During the booking process the arrestee shall be allowed to make additional telephone calls to
relatives or other responsible individuals as is reasonably necessary to arrange for the care of any
child or dependent adult. These telephone calls should be given as soon as practicable and are
in addition to any other telephone calls allowed by law (Penal Code § 851.5(c)).
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Child and Dependent Adult Safety
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/05/