A probation officer: (1) Shall make investigations, reports, and recommendations to the
court as directed by this article; (2) Shall receive and examine complaints and charges of
delinquency, unruly conduct, or deprivation of a child for the
purpose of considering the commencement of proceedings under this
article; (3) Shall supervise and assist a child placed on probation or in
the protective supervision or care of such probation officer by
order of the court or other authority of law; (4) Shall make appropriate referrals to other private or public
agencies of the community if their assistance appears to be needed
or desirable; (5) May take into custody and detain a child who is under the
supervision or care of such probation officer as a delinquent,
unruly, or deprived child if the probation officer has reasonable
cause to believe that the child's health or safety or that of
another is in imminent danger, or that the child may abscond or be
removed from the jurisdiction of the court, or when so ordered by
the court pursuant to this article. A probation officer may not
conduct accusatory proceedings against a child who is or may be
under such probation officer's care or supervision; (6) Shall perform all other functions designated by this chapter
or by order of the court pursuant thereto. Any of the functions
specified in this Code section may be performed in another state
if authorized by the court located in this state and permitted by
the laws of the other state; and (7) Other laws to the contrary notwithstanding, no county juvenile
intake or probation officer or staff of the Department of Juvenile
Justice serving as juvenile intake or probation officer shall be
liable for the acts of any child not detained or taken into
custody as provided in paragraph (5) of this Code section when, in
the judgment of such officer, such detention or custody is not
warranted. |