1. A. After a petition under the provisions of this article has been filed, the court may order the child to be examined and evaluated by a physician or other appropriate professional to aid the court in making the proper disposition concerning the child. The court may order a mental health evaluation of a child as provided by the Inpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment of Minors Act.
2. B. Whenever a child concerning whom a petition has been filed appears to be in need of nursing, medical or surgical care, the court may order the parent or other person responsible for the care and support of the child to provide such care in a hospital or otherwise. If the parent or other person fails to provide such care, the court may, after due notice, enter an order therefor, and the expense thereof, when approved by the court, shall be a charge upon the county, but the court may adjudge that the person having the duty under the law to support the child pay part or all of the expenses of such care. In an emergency the court may, when health or condition of the child may require it, cause the child to be placed in a public hospital or institution for treatment or special care, or in a private hospital or institution which will receive the child for like purpose, and consent to emergency treatment or surgery.
3. C. After adjudication and at the request of a judge in any juvenile proceeding, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall investigate the home conditions and environment of the child and the financial ability, occupation and earning capacity of the parent, legal guardian or custodian of the child. Upon request by the court of another state, the Department may conduct a similar investigation.

Added by Laws 1995, HB 1978, c. 352, § 120, emerg, eff. July 1, 1995; Amended by Laws 2002, HB 2149, c. 327, § 26, emerg. eff. July 1, 2002 (superseded document available).