(1) The Secretary may give a notice under this section if the Secretary—
(a) has a reasonable suspicion that a child is, or is likely to be, in need of protection; and
(b) is of the opinion that further investigation and assessment of the matter is warranted; and
(c) is of the opinion that the investigation and assessment cannot properly proceed unless a temporary assessment order is made.
(2) The Secretary may by notice direct—
(a) the child to appear; and
(b) the child's parents to produce the child—
before the Court for the hearing of an application for a temporary assessment order.
(3) A notice cannot be given under this section if—
(a) a protection order (other than an undertaking) is in force in respect of the child; or
(b) an application for a protection order has been made in respect of the child but has not been determined.
(4) A notice under this section must—
S. 228(4)(a) amended by No. 26/2023 s. 36.
(a) be issued out of the Court; and
(b) be served, in accordance with section 594, on the child's parent and, if the child is of or above the age of 12 years, the child.