Who can police initiate a CRA for?

Police can initiate a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) for sexually exploited children because this category addresses specific vulnerabilities and needs related to exploitation. The intent behind the CRA statute is to help children who are not being adequately protected or cared for, especially in situations where they may be victims of circumstances beyond their control, such as sexual exploitation.

In this context, the CRA serves as a legal mechanism designed to intervene on behalf of children who are at risk, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary to address their exploitation and associated needs. This intervention is crucial because sexually exploited children often require specialized services, including safety planning, counseling, and rehabilitation, which might not otherwise be accessible to them.

Other categories, such as habitual school offenders, habitually truant children, and delinquent children, can also require interventions, but they do not fall specifically under the CRA framework focused on exploitation and victimization. Thus, the unique circumstances surrounding sexually exploited children highlight the necessity for police to initiate a CRA to provide these vulnerable individuals with the protection and assistance they need.