Rule 117.02 Physical and Mental Examination of Parents, Guardian or Custodian

This rule lets a judge order a parent, guardian, or custodian to get a physical or mental health exam when their ability to care for a child is being questioned in a juvenile court case. The exam can be done by a doctor, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

There are two different points in the case when this can happen. Before the main hearing on the case takes place, the judge can order this kind of exam, but only after holding a separate hearing about it first. This gives the parent or guardian a chance to be heard before being required to undergo testing.

After the main hearing has already happened, the judge can still order an exam for anyone whose ability to care for the child is in question. At this later stage, the judge does not need to hold a separate hearing first. This rule exists to help the court get medical or psychological information it needs to make good decisions about a child's safety and care.