Title 19, Chapter 7, Section 4
( 19-7-4)
If a child is found under circumstances of destitution and
suffering, abandonment, or exposure or if the child has been begging
or if it is found that the child is being reared under immoral,
obscene, or indecent influences which are likely to degrade his
moral character and devote him to a vicious life and it appears to
the appropriate court by competent evidence, including such
examination of the child as may be practicable, that by reason of
the neglect, habitual drunkenness, lewd or other vicious habits, or
other behavior of the parents or guardians of the child, it is
necessary for the welfare of the child to protect the child from
such conditions, the court may order that the parents or guardians
be deprived of custody of the child and that appropriate measures as
provided by law be taken for the welfare of the child. |