(1)This section applies where—
(a)a child requires to be kept in a particular place by virtue of—
(i)a child assessment order,
(ii)a child protection order,
(iii)a compulsory supervision order,
(iv)an interim compulsory supervision order,
(v)a medical examination order, or
(vi)a warrant to secure attendance, or
(b)a person has (or is authorised to have) control of a child by virtue of such an order or warrant.
(2)A person commits an offence if the person—
(a)knowingly assists or induces the child to abscond from the place or person,
(b)knowingly harbours or conceals a child who has absconded from the place or person, or
(c)knowingly prevents a child from returning to the place or person.
(3)The person is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
(4)This section is subject to—
(a)section 38(3) and (4) of the 1995 Act,
(b)section 51(5) and (6) of the Children Act 1989 (c.41), and
(c)Article 70(5) and (6) of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2)).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 171 modified (24.6.2022) by The Cross-border Placements (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/225), regs. 1, 13(10)
Commencement Information
I1S. 171 in force at 24.6.2013 by S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3