Section 48: Refuge for children at risk

(1) Where it is proposed to use a voluntary home or registered children's home to provide refuge for children who appear to be at risk of harm, the Minister may issue a certificate under this section with respect to that home.
(2) Where an appropriate authority or a voluntary organization arranges for a foster parent to provide such a refuge, the Minister may issue a certificate under this section with respect to that foster parent.
(3) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a home, none of the provisions contained in this Act or any other law relating to-
(a) the harbouring of a child who has absconded from residential establishments; or
(b) compelling, persuading, inciting or assisting a child to be absent from detention; or
(c) the abduction of a child,
shall apply in relation to a person providing refuge for a child in that home.
(4) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a foster parent, the provisions referred to in subsection (3) of this section shall not apply in relation to the provision by him of a refuge for a child in accordance with arrangement made by the appropriate authority or voluntary organisation.
(5) The Minister may by regulations-
(a) make provisions as to the manner in which certificates may be issued;
(b) impose conditions which shall be complied with while a certificate is in force; and
(c) provide for the withdrawal of certificates in prescribed circumstances.