DE HB417

Authorizes law enforcement officers to enter private property to enforce Family Court custody orders when the order specifically requests police assistance.

Applies to both Division of Family Services (DFS) custody cases and private custody arrangements between parents.

Clarifies that special investigators for the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Family (DSCYF) may enter private property while taking custody of a child under Family Court orders or in conjunction with the law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction.

Adds provisions to Title 16 giving law enforcement authority to enter private property to take physical custody of a child for enforcing Family Court orders awarding custody to the Department, even when not investigating child abuse or neglect.

Does not require law enforcement to enter private property; authority is discretionary and applies only when the Family Court custody order requests law enforcement assistance.