Under current law, it is a crime for someone to help a child who has run away.  HB 185 allows community based programs who provide services to run away children, homeless children or those at risk for becoming homeless to assist these children so long as the program contacts the parent, guardian or custodian of the child within 72 hours.  Alternatively, if the program provider believes that the child has been abused, the provider does not have to notify the parents, guardian or custodian, but must make a report to a child welfare agency providing protective services, to law enforcement or to the district attorney.