18. Immediately upon receipt of the copy of a petition served on or mailed to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency as provided by section 17 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C. 30:4C-17), the division shall verify such petition and investigate all the facts pertaining to the eligibility of the child for commitment, and prior to the day set for hearing shall file with the court a report of its findings. The report shall show such facts as will assist the court in making a decision in the matter.

L.1951, c.138, s.18; amended 1962, c.197, s.20; 2012, c.16, s.70.