41-3-404. Adjudicatory hearing -- temporary disposition. (1) In the adjudicatory hearing on a petition under 41-3-401, the court shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether the youth is a youth in need of care and ascertain, as far as possible, the cause.
     (2) The court shall hear evidence regarding the residence of the youth, the whereabouts of the parents, guardian, or nearest adult relative, and any other matters the court considers relevant in determining the status of the youth.
     (3) In all civil and criminal proceedings relating to abuse or neglect, the privileges related to the examination or treatment of the child do not apply, except the attorney-client privilege granted by 26-1-803 and the mediation privilege granted by 26-1-813.
     (4) (a) If the court determines that the youth is not an abused or neglected child, the petition must be dismissed and any order made pursuant to 41-3-403 must be vacated.
     (b) If the youth is adjudicated a youth in need of care, the court shall set a date for a dispositional hearing to be conducted within 30 days and order any necessary or required investigations. The court may issue a temporary dispositional order pending the dispositional hearing. The temporary dispositional order may provide for any of the forms of relief listed in 41-3-403(6).

     History: En. 10-1312 by Sec. 8, Ch. 328, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 10-1312; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 543, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 567, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 659, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 458, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 516, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 481, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 566, L. 1999.