What are exigent circumstances that permit the immediate removal of a child from their home without a court order?

Exigent circumstances refer to situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm to an individual, particularly a child, without waiting for a court order. The presence of probable cause to believe that a child is in danger is a critical component of these circumstances.

When law enforcement or child protective services have credible information that a child is facing immediate risk of harm—such as abuse or neglect—they are legally justified in acting quickly to remove the child from that environment. This immediate action is taken to ensure the child’s safety and well-being, reflecting the urgency and severity of the situation. The other options, while relevant to child welfare issues, do not meet the legal threshold that defines exigent circumstances appropriate for immediate removal.