Sec. 55.12.  INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOR COURT-ORDERED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.  If, after considering all relevant information, the juvenile court determines that evidence exists to support a finding that a child is a child with mental illness and that the child meets the criteria for court-ordered mental health services under Section 55.05, the court shall:
(1)  initiate proceedings as provided by Section 55.65 to order temporary or extended mental health services, as provided in this chapter and Subchapter C, Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code; or
(2)  refer the child's case as provided by Section 55.68 to the appropriate court for the initiation of proceedings in that court to order temporary or extended mental health services for the child under this chapter and Subchapter C, Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 1460, ch. 544, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1973.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 47, eff. May 31, 1995.  Redesignated from Family Code Sec. 55.02(a) and amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166 (S.B. 1585), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.