In the Matter of N.D.M.

PITTMAN, Judge.

The Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (“the Department”) appeals an order directing it to pay the costs of housing N.D.M., a juvenile, in the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center, until space became available for N.D.M. at the Department’s facilities at Bryce Hospital.

Following a series of violent acts by N.D.M., the guardian ad litem for N.D.M. petitioned the Houston County juvenile court to commit N.D.M. to the Department for treatment. After holding a probable-cause hearing on September 21, 2001, the court committed N.D.M. to the Department for further…