KRS 610.100: Investigation.

(1) Unless there is a suitable prior disposition investigation report or unless waived by

the child who is represented by counsel, before making disposition of the case of a

child brought before the court under the provisions of KRS Chapters 630 or 635,

whether by complaint pursuant to KRS 610.020, or by reason of having been taken

into custody pursuant to KRS 610.190, the judge shall cause an investigation to be

made concerning the nature of the specific act complained of and any surrounding

circumstances which suggest the future care and guidance which should be given

the child. The investigation shall include an inquiry into the child's age, habits,

school record, general reputation, and everything that may pertain to his or her life,

and character. The inves tigation shall also include an inquiry into the home

conditions, life, and character of the person having custody of the child. The

investigation shall also include an assessment of the parent or guardian's ability to

pay all or part of the cost of the chi ld's care and treatment should the child be

ordered into a treatment program or placed on supervised probation. The result of

the investigation, including the result of the validated risk and needs assessment,

shall be reported in writing to the court and to counsel for the parties three (3) days

prior to the child's dispositional hearing and shall become a part of the record of the

proceedings. The child may waive the three (3) day requirement. Objections by

counsel at the dispositional hearing to portions of the dispositional report shall be

noted in the record.

(2) The investigation shall be conducted by a suitable public or private agency. The

cabinet and the Department of Juvenile Justice may furnish investigation services

under agreements with the indi vidual juvenile courts. For this purpose, any county

judge/executive or chief executive officer of an urban-county government may enter

into a contract on behalf of his or her county with the Department of Juvenile

Justice or the cabinet for the furnishings of such services.