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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 17§ 711 Mental Health Evaluation Referral

§ 711 Mental Health Evaluation Referral

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 711 Mental Health Evaluation Referral

Key Takeaways

  • •If a kid in court seems to have big mental health or learning problems, the judge can send them to get checked by experts.
  • •The kid can say no to the check-up if their lawyer agrees, and the court will just keep going like normal.
  • •The check-up is only to help the judge understand if the kid needs special help.

Example

A 15-year-old gets in trouble for stealing and acts really confused in court.

The judge might send them to see a doctor to check if they have a learning problem or mental health issue. But if the kid and their lawyer don’t want that, they can say no, and the case will just keep going.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 711 Mental Health Evaluation Referral

(a) When it appears to the court, or upon request of the prosecutor or counsel for the minor, at any time, that a minor who is alleged to come within the jurisdiction of the court under Section 602, may have a serious mental disorder, is seriously emotionally disturbed, or has a developmental disability, the court may order that the minor be referred for evaluation, as described in Section 712. (b) A minor, with the approval of his or her counsel, may decline the referral for mental health evaluation described in Section 712 or the multidisciplinary team review described in Section 713, in which case the matter shall proceed without the application of Sections 712 and 713, and in accordance with all other applicable provisions of law. (Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 265, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

disabilityevaluationhealthmotionjurisdictionapplicationaccordance

Related Statutes

  • § 712 Minor Mental Health Evaluations
  • § 713 Minor Mental Health Disposition
  • § 224.71 Youth Rights In Juvenile Facilities
  • § 5172 72-Hour Mental Health Evaluation
  • § 5250.1 Mental Health Release Notification

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 711.
View Official Source