Kentucky Revised Statutes · § 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 offense, the peace officer may proceed in accordance with KRS 610.190 to 610.290.