The Maine Juvenile Code grants law enforcement officers the authority to take a juvenile into interim care, for not more than how many hours?

In the context of the Maine Juvenile Code, law enforcement officers are granted the authority to take a juvenile into interim care for a specified duration. This is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the juvenile while the necessary legal processes are initiated. The correct time frame specified in the code allows for up to six hours of interim care. This limited duration reflects the balance between the need for immediate response to potential situations involving juveniles and the importance of not unnecessarily prolonging their detention. By allowing for this period of six hours, officers can assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps, whether that includes contacting parents, social services, or other necessary interventions. This procedural safeguard helps ensure that juveniles are not held longer than necessary, maintaining their rights and dignity in a sensitive context.