The Early Childhood Programs will release a child only to a parent, guardian or other adult who is authorized by the parent/guardian on the Individuals Permitted to Pick-up Child(ren) Form.

In order to comply with New Mexico laws prohibiting child abuse, if a staff member of the Early Childhood Program has reason to believe that a parent, guardian or other authorized adult may be:

• Intoxicated;
  
• Impaired; or
  
• Is behaving inappropriately
  

such that releasing the child into the custody of the parent, guardian or other authorized adult may endanger the life or health of the child, the staff member should take action to remove the child from the situation and contact or have someone else contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

• Campus programs must contact Campus Police by dialing 538-6666
  
• Off-campus programs must contact the City Police, with later follow up contact with the Campus Police to file an incident report.
  

While waiting for an officer to arrive, the staff member should utilize other options, as deemed necessary, to deal with the situation. Options for dealing with the situation may include the following:

• Obtaining assistance from another staff member.
  
• Engaging the parent, guardian or adult in a conversation until the officer arrives.
  
• Alerting the front office to the situation.
  
• Seeking the vehicle license plate number of the parent, guardian or other authorized adult.
  
• Contacting the Early Childhood Administrative Team for follow-up with the family.

Once the law enforcement officer arrives, the officer has jurisdiction over the matter and will make a decision concerning the safety and well-being of the child.

Approved By: Policy Committee

Date: May 1, 2003