The juvenile court may direct that a juvenile probation officer conduct a study and submit a written report to the juvenile court with recommendations concerning a child, his or her family, his or her environment, and other matters relevant to the need for treatment or disposition of the case. The recommendations may indicate that the child needs further mental health evaluation, especially, in some cases, for the purpose of determining whether the child is competent to stand trial. The recommendations may also include a request that the juvenile court proceed pursuant to Section 12-15-130.
Ala. Code § 12-15-214 (1975)