Protection of children at arrest

(a) In general Chapter 203 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding the following new section at the end: 3065. Arrest by Federal law enforcement A law enforcement officer who is authorized to make arrests under any Federal law shall permit any person who is arrested and is the custodial parent or guardian of a minor or dependent child the opportunity to make arrangements for such child at the time of arrest, including by permitting access to a telephone and appropriate phone numbers for the purposes of securing care for the child, and shall not refer the child to a child welfare agency, unless the custodial parent or guardian of the minor cannot make arrangements for the child at the time of arrest or to secure care for the child, or unless the arresting officer has reasonable cause to suspect the child is experiencing abuse or neglect. A drug related charge on its own does not constitute sufficient cause to suspect abuse or neglect.. (b) Conforming amendment The table of contents of chapter 203 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 3065. Arrest by Federal law enforcement.