Special procedure to be followed when neglected child has parent

17. (1) If a person, who in the opinion of the police officer or the authorised person is a neglected child, has a parent or guardian who has the actual charge of, or control over, the child, the police officer or the authorised person may, instead of taking charge of the child, make a report to the children's court for initiating an inquiry regarding that child.

1. (2) On receipt of a report under sub-section (1), the children's court may call upon the parent or guardian to produce the child before it and to show cause why the child should not be dealt with as a neglected child under the provisions of this Act and if it appears to the children's court that the child is likely to be removed from its jurisdiction or to be concealed, it may immediately order his removal (if necessary by issuing a search warrent for the immediate production of the child) to an observation home.