Polk County Juvenile Court Services has jurisdiction to inquire into and to make certain statutory dispositions of cases of delinquent children. Serious cases are handled by formal court hearings and orders. Less serious cases are handled by counseling, informal adjustment or diversion to other public or private services. Children held in detention or in shelter care pending hearing and disposition are provided physical examination and professional nursing care, medical care and schooling suited to their ability. Mental examinations are provided when necessary for adequate evaluation of the child and to proper disposition of the case. If a child is adjudicated to be delinquent he/she can be placed on probation at home or in custody of other persons or private or public agency or can be committed to a state institution.