What is the maximum time period allowed for setting a detention or shelter care hearing?

The maximum time period allowed for setting a detention or shelter care hearing is 40 hours excluding weekends. This timeframe is established to ensure that minors remain in secure custody for only as long as necessary while their cases are being evaluated. The intent is to provide a balance between ensuring the safety of the minor and the need for timely judicial review of their situation.

In practice, this means that if a minor is detained, the authorities must act promptly to assess the circumstances and determine whether continued detention is warranted. The exclusion of weekends from this 40-hour period reflects the judicial system's operations, as court hearings typically do not take place on weekends, emphasizing the importance of expedited processes during the weekdays when the court is in session.

This ensures that minors are not held longer than necessary without proper legal review and minimizes disruption to their lives while ensuring their safety and well-being during the proceedings.