Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

If Sally, who is 12 and suffers from schizophrenia, runs away from her foster family, can she be taken into custody?

1. No, due to her age

2. Yes, due to mental illness and being a runaway

3. Only with parental consent

4. Only if she committed a crime

The correct answer is: Yes, due to mental illness and being a runaway

The correct answer highlights that Sally can indeed be taken into custody because she is both mentally ill and considered a runaway. In many jurisdictions, minors like Sally may not have the same legal protections as adults when it comes to being apprehended for their safety. When a child with mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, runs away, authorities recognize the potential danger and instability of the situation. This is particularly relevant in cases where the minor's well-being is at risk. In scenarios involving mental illness, law enforcement or child protective services may intervene to ensure the child's safety and provide necessary care, taking into account their vulnerability. The status of being a runaway further reinforces the idea that intervention is warranted, as the child may be in a precarious or harmful environment. In contrast, the other responses do not adequately take into consideration the implications of mental illness and the associated risks involved when a minor flees from a safe environment. Hence, the correct response emphasizes a holistic view of the circumstances surrounding Sally, considering both her age and her mental health.