(a) After providing shelter to an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter, a service provider shall: (1) (i) as soon as possible and within 72 hours, contact a parent, a guardian, or an adult relative of the minor; or (ii) if the service provider suspects abuse or neglect by the parent, guardian, or adult relative of the minor, immediately notify the appropriate authorities of the suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with § 5-704 of the Family Law Article; and (2) if the service provider suspects any abuse or neglect of the unaccompanied minor in need of shelter, immediately notify the appropriate authorities of the suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with § 5-704 of the Family Law Article. (b) (1) If a service provider is unable to contact, and does not suspect abuse by, a parent, a guardian, or an adult relative of an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter, the service provider shall: (i) notify the minor of the requirements of this section; and (ii) after providing the notice required under item (i) of this paragraph, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to determine if the minor has been reported missing by a legal guardian. (2) If a service provider receives information indicating that an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter is missing from foster care, the service provider shall contact the local department of social services. (3) If a service provider receives information indicating that an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter has been reported missing by a legal guardian other than the local department of social services, the service provider shall contact local law enforcement. (c) A service provider shall document efforts and communications made under subsection (b) of this section.
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