(1)Where it appears to the court that an offence as stated in section 78 has been committed or is likely to be committed in respect of any child who is brought before it and that it is expedient in the interests of the child that action should be taken under this Act, the court may make such order as circumstances may admit and require for the care and detention of the child until a reasonable time has elapsed for the institution of proceedings against the person for having committed the offence in respect of the child or for the purpose of taking such other lawful action as may be necessary.
