§12-15-313. Ordering and preparation of report concerning a child and family; ordering, conduct, and certification of findings of physical or mental examination of child prior to hearing on petition generally; examination of parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian after hearing where ability to care for or supervise child at issue.

(a) After a petition alleging dependency has been filed, the juvenile court may direct that a study and report to the juvenile court be made by the Department of Human Resources with recommendations concerning the child, his or her family, his or her environment, and other matters relevant to the need for treatment or disposition of the case.

(b) Where there are indications that the child may be physically ill or a child with mental illness or an intellectual disability, on its own motion or motion of a party, may order the child to be examined at a suitable place by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified examiner under the supervision of a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist who shall certify the findings of the examiner in writing prior to a hearing on the merits of the petition.

(Act 2008-277, p. 441, §18.)