Who has the authority to take a child into custody if they are in imminent danger?

The authority to take a child into custody when they are in imminent danger typically rests with entities responsible for child protection and welfare, which includes roles like a probation officer. Probation officers are trained to assess situations involving minors and have the authority to intervene when a child's safety is at risk. They are often involved in cases where a child's behavior has brought them into the juvenile justice system, and they can take necessary actions to ensure the child's immediate safety.

Detention center staff primarily deal with children who are already in custody based on legal proceedings, rather than having the autonomous authority to take children into custody in dangerous situations. Social workers also play a critical role in child welfare but may not have the same legal authority or immediate capacity to act in emergencies as probation officers do. On the other hand, while the county sheriff holds law enforcement powers, their engagement with juvenile matters typically involves coordination with child protective services rather than direct intervention in custody decisions related to imminent danger. Therefore, the probation officer's specialized training and authority make them the most appropriate choice for taking immediate action to protect a child in crisis.