(a)
Prior to sentence and after considering a recommendation on the issue which shall be made by the probation department, the court of criminal jurisdiction may remand the minor to the custody of the Department of the Youth Authority for a period not to exceed 90 days for the purpose of evaluation and report concerning his or her amenability to training and treatment offered by the Department of the Youth Authority. If the court decides not to remand the minor to the custody of the Department of the Youth Authority, the court shall make a
finding on the record that the amenability evaluation is not necessary. However, a court of criminal jurisdiction shall not sentence any minor who was under the age of 16 years when he or she committed any criminal offense to the state prison unless he or she has first been remanded to the custody of the Department of the Youth Authority for evaluation and report pursuant to this section.
The need to protect society, the nature and seriousness of the offense, the interests of justice, and the needs of the minor shall be the primary considerations in the court’s determination of the appropriate disposition for the minor.
(b)
This section shall not apply where commitment to the Department of the Youth Authority is prohibited pursuant to Section 1732.6.