(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.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 15 - Juvenile Proceedings.
Article 3 - Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights.
Section 12-15-301 - Definitions.
Section 12-15-302 - Venue Generally.
Section 12-15-303 - Transfer of Dependency Proceedings Between Juvenile Courts Within the State.
Section 12-15-304 - Appointment by Juvenile Courts of Guardians Ad Litem.
Section 12-15-310 - Conduct of Adjudicatory Hearings.
Section 12-15-311 - Dispositional Hearing.
Section 12-15-314 - Dispositions for Dependent Children.
Section 12-15-315 - Permanency Hearing for Department of Human Resources Cases Only.
Section 12-15-317 - Who May File Petition.
Section 12-15-318 - Service of Process.
Section 12-15-320 - Dispositions.
Section 12-15-322 - Authority of One in Custody to Place Child for Adoption or Consent to Adoption.
Section 12-15-323 - Appeals of Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights Cases.