The department is authorized to administer a program to extend and improve its services for promoting the health of mothers and children, especially in rural areas and in areas suffering from severe economic distress. This chapter may not be construed as authorizing any public official, agent or representative, in carrying out this chapter, to take charge of any child over the objections of a parent of that child, or of the person standing in loco parentis to that child, except pursuant to a proper court order. [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. B, §110 (COR).]