What is the goal of protective custody?

The primary goal of protective custody is to remove minors from harmful situations. This measure is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children who may be exposed to abuse, neglect, or other dangerous environments. By placing them in protective custody, law enforcement and social services can provide immediate safety and a stable environment while assessing the situation and determining the best course of action for the child's future.

While there may be other objectives in working with minors, such as facilitation of reunification with family or providing educational resources, these are not the primary focus of protective custody. The essential purpose is centered around safeguarding the child from immediate harm and allowing time for investigations and interventions to take place in a secure setting. This priority of ensuring safety is why the correct answer is the removal of minors from harmful situations.