Art. 774 Physical and mental examination for disposition

After a child's case has been decided in court, the judge can order the child or the child's caretaker to go through a physical or mental health evaluation. This helps the judge figure out the best plan going forward, like what kind of help, treatment, or living situation makes sense for the child and family.

If the judge orders one of these evaluations, the caretaker might have to help pay for it. But before the judge makes that decision, the caretaker gets a chance to speak up and explain their situation. The judge will then set a payment amount based on what the caretaker can actually afford, not a set fee that applies to everyone.