Section 12-15-69Ordering and preparation of predisposition study and report concerningchild, family, etc.; ordering, conduct and certification of findings of physicalor mental examination of child prior to hearing on petition generally; examinationof parent or custodian after hearing where ability to care for or supervisechild in issue.
(a) After a petition alleging delinquency, in need of supervisionor dependency has been filed, the court may direct that a predisposition studyand report to the court be made by probation services where the petition allegesthat the child is delinquent or in need of supervision or by the Departmentof Human Resources when the petition alleges that the child is dependent concerningthe child, his family, his environment and other matters relevant to the needfor treatment or disposition of the case.
(b) Where there are indications that the child may be physicallyill, mentally ill or mentally retarded, the court, on its own motion or motionby the prosecutor or that of counsel for the child, may order the child tobe examined at a suitable place by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologistor other qualified examiner, under the supervision of a physician, psychiatristor psychologist who shall certify such examiner's findings in writing, oran examiner approved by the Department of Mental Health prior to a hearingon the merits of the petition.
(c) The examinations made prior to hearing as provided for in subsection(b) of this section or as part of the study provided for in subsection (a)of this section shall be conducted on an outpatient basis unless the courtfinds that placement in a hospital or other appropriate facility is necessary.
(d) The court, after hearing, may order an examination as described in subsection(b) of this section of a parent or custodian who gives his consent and whoseability to care for or supervise a child before the court is in issue.
(Acts 1975, No. 1205, p. 2384, §5-127.)
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