KRS 645.280: Place where child to be held.

(1) No child held under the provisions of this chapter shall be held in a secure juvenile

detention facility unless a status offense action or public offense action is also

pending. No peace officer or any other person shall bring a status offense action or a

public offense action against a child who is mentally ill and in need of

hospitalization pursuant to this chapter solely or primarily for the purpose of

avoiding transporting the child to a hospital, mental health facility, or other less

restrictive alternative.

(2) If, after evaluation, the qualified mental health professional finds that the child does

not meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization and the peace officer has reason

to believe that the child has committed a status offense or public of fense, the peace

officer may proceed in accordance with KRS 610.190 to 610.290.