How long does the court have to hold a Shelter Care Hearing after protective custody is taken?

The correct duration for holding a Shelter Care Hearing after protective custody is taken is 48 hours, excluding holidays and weekends. This timeframe is designed to ensure timely judicial oversight when a child is removed from their home to protect their welfare. The 48-hour window allows the court to assess the necessity of continued protective custody, ensuring that the child's legal rights are observed and that there is a prompt evaluation of the circumstances that led to the removal from the home.

Options that suggest a longer duration, such as 72 hours or 1 week, do not align with the established legal requirements meant to safeguard children's rights and promote their swift return to a safe environment when appropriate. The importance of the 48-hour limit reflects the urgency in responding to situations where a child's safety is at immediate risk, ensuring that intervention is both prompt and just.