place of safety. (3) As soon as possible, and in any case within the period of fortyeight hours referred to in subsection (1), the probation and social welfare officer, police officer or authorised person shall take the child to the secretary for children’s affairs of the local government council of the area or before a family and children court and shall make a report, taking into account the wishes of the child. (4) A person who places a child under emergency protection may, if he or she deems it necessary, ensure the provision of medical attention or treatment, including medical examination of the child. (5) Whenever a child is placed under emergency protection, his or her parents or the persons with whom the child was living shall be informed as soon as practicable and shall be allowed to have contact with the child unless it is not in the interest of the child. 38. Offence to remove a child from a place of safety without authority. A person who without reasonable cause removes a child placed under emergency protection from a place of safety without the authority of the person in whose custody the child is commits an offence and shall be dealt with in accordance with this Act. 39. Persons to apply for discharge or variation of supervision or care order. Any of the following persons may apply for a supervision or care order to be discharged or varied— (a) the child concerned; (b) the child’s parent or guardian; (c) a person who has parental responsibility; (d) a person with whom the child was living before the order was made; (e) the probation and social welfare officer. 40. Duty of probation and social welfare officer to investigate. Where a probation and social welfare officer is informed or has reasonable cause to believe that a child who lives or is found in his or her district is