Section 15-11-56. (Effective until January 1, 2014) Evidence in proceedings; continuances; scheduling

   (a)  Evidence. In dispositional hearings under subsection (c) of Code Section 15-11-54 and in all proceedings involving custody of a child, all information helpful in determining the questions presented, including oral and written reports, may be received by the court and relied upon to the extent of its probative value even though not otherwise competent in the hearing on the petition. The parties or their counsel shall be afforded an opportunity upon request to examine and controvert written reports so received and to cross-examine individuals making the reports, except that portions of such reports not relied on by the court in reaching its decision which, if revealed, would be prejudicial to the interests of the child or any party to the proceeding may be withheld in the court's discretion. Confidential sources of information need not be disclosed.

(b)  Continuances; scheduling. On its own motion or that of a party, the court may continue the hearings under subsection (c) of Code Section 15-11-54 for a reasonable period to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition of a child. In this event, the court shall make an appropriate order for protection of the child during the period of the continuance. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a child has been removed from his or her home before an order of disposition has been made.

Ga. L. 1951, p. 291, § 21; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1013, § 12; Code 1933, § 24A-2201, enacted by Ga. L. 1971, p. 709, § 1; Code 1981, § 15-11-33; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1983, § 5; Code 1981, § 15-11-56, as redesignated by Ga. L. 2000, p. 20, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1162, § 7.