The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

PART I N.I. INTRODUCTORY

Title and commencement N.I.

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

(2) This Order shall come into operation on such day or days as the Secretary of State may by order appointF1 .

(3) An order under paragraph (2) may also appoint a day for the coming into operation of any provision of an order made under section 38(2) of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973F2 as necessary or expedient in consequence of this Order.

F1 partly exercised by SR 1995/248; 1996/15, 297; 2000/139

F2 1973 c. 36

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954F3 shall apply to Article 1 and the following provisions of this Order as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(2) In this Order—

• “Adoption Order” means the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987F4 ;

• [F5 “appropriate children's home” has the meaning given in Article 27(10);]

• “Article 8 order” has the meaning given in Article 8(2);

• “authority”, where the reference is to a body, means, except in Article 165 and subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a Board;

• “authority foster parent” has the meaning given in Article 27(3) (accommodation and maintenance of children looked after by an authority);

• “Board” means a Health and Social Services Board;

• “care order” has the meaning given in Article 49(1) and also includes any order which by or under any statutory provision has the effect of, or is deemed to be, a care order for the purposes of this Order;

• [F5 “Care Tribunal” means the tribunal established by Article 44 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Irelamd) Order 2003;]

• “child”, except in Parts X, XI and XII (fostering, child minding and employment) and subject to paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 1, means a person under the age of 18;

• “child assessment order” has the meaning given in Article 62(2) (child assessment orders);

• “child minder” has the meaning given in Article 119;

• [F6 “child of the family”, in relation to parties to a marriage, or to two people who are civil partners of each other, means—

  (a)

  a child of both of them, and

  (b)

  any other child, other than a child placed with them as foster parents by an authority or voluntary organisation, who has been treated by both of them as a child of their family.]

• “children's home” has the meaning[F5 assigned to it by Article 9 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003];

• “compulsory school age” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 46 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F7 ;

• “contact order” has the meaning given in Article 8(1);

• “the court” has the meaning given in Article 164(1) and (2);

• “day care” has the same meaning as in Article 19;

• “the Department” means the Department of Health and Social Services;

• “development” means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development;

• F8 “ [F9 disabled person's tax credit]” means[F9 disabled person's tax credit] under Part VII of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992F10 ;

• “disabled” means blind, deaf or dumb or suffering from mental disorder of any kind or substantially and permanently handicapped by illness, injury or congenital deformity or such other disability as may be prescribed;

• [F11 “dwelling-house” includes—

  (a)

  any building or part of a building which is occupied as a dwelling;

  (b)

  any caravan, houseboat or structure which is occupied as a dwelling,

  and any yard, garden, garage or outhouse belonging to it and occupied with it;]

• “education supervision order” has the meaning given in Article 49(1);

• “emergency protection order” means an order under Article 63;

• “family assistance order” means an order under Article 16;

• F8 “ [F9 working families' tax credit]” means[F9 working families' tax credit] under Part VII of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992F12 ;

• “family proceedings” has the meaning given in Article 8(3);

• “family proceedings court” has the meaning given in Article 164(4);

• “family proceedings rules” means family proceedings rules made under Article 12 of the Family Law (Northern Ireland) Order 1993F13 ;

• “foster a child privately” has the meaning given in Article 106(1);

• “guardian of a child” means a guardian (other than a guardian of the fortune or estate of a child) appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 159 or 160;

• “harm” means ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development and the question of whether harm is significant shall be determined in accordance with Article 50(3);

• “health” means physical or mental health;

• “Health and Social Services trust” means a Health and Social Services trust established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991F14 ;

• “homeless persons” shall be construed in accordance with Part II of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988F15 ;

• “hospital” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 2(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972F16 ;

• “ill-treatment” includes sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment which are not physical;

• [F17 “income-based jobseeker's allowance” has the same meaning as in the Jobseekers (Northern Ireland) Order 1995;]

• “income support” means income support under Part VII of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;

• “managers” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 2(2) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F18 ;

• “medical practitioner” means a fully registered person within the meaning of the Medical Act 1983F19 F20 ;

• “nursing home” has the meaning assigned to it by[F5 Article 11 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003];

• “parental responsibility” has the meaning given in Article 6;

• “parental responsibility agreement” has the meaning given in Article 7(1)(b);

• “personal social services” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 2(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972;

• “police officer” means a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary or of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve;

• “prescribed”, except in Parts II, XII, XV and XVI and Article 176 and in relation to rules of court, means prescribed by regulations made by the Department under this Order;

• [F5 “private children's home” means a children's home—

  (a)

  in respect of which a person is registered under Part III of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003; and

  (b)

  which is not a home provided under Part VII or a voluntary home;]

• “private hospital” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 90(2) of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F21 ;

• “privately fostered child” has the meaning given in Article 106(1);

• “probation order” has the meaning assigned to it by[F22 Article 10 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996];

• “prohibited steps order” has the meaning given in Article 8(1);

• “protected child” means a child who is a protected child for the purposes of Part IV of the Adoption Order;

• “public body” means a body established by or under any statutory provision;

• Definition rep. by 2003 NI 9

• [F5 “Regulation and Improvement Authority” means the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services Regulation and Improvement Authority;]

• “relative”, in relation to a child, means a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whether of the full blood or half blood or[F6 by marriage or civil partnership)], or step-parent;

• “residence order” has the meaning given in Article 8(1);

• “residential care home” has the meaning assigned to it by[F5 Article 10 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003;];

• “rules of court” includes family proceedings rules, county court rules and magistrates' courts rules (as well as rules of court as defined in section 21(4) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954);

• “school” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 2(2) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F23 ;

• “service”, in relation to any provision made under Part IV, includes any facility;

• “special educational needs” has the meaning assigned to it by[F24 Article 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996];

• “special agency” means a special health and social services agency established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Special Agencies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990F25 ;

• “specific issue order” has the meaning given in Article 8(1);

• “statutory provision” has the meaning assigned to it by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954;

• “supervision order” has the meaning given in Article 49(1);

• “supervised child” and “supervisor”, in relation to a supervision order or an education supervision order, mean respectively the child who is (or is to be) under supervision and the person under whose supervision he is (or is to be) by virtue of the order;

• Definition rep. by 1998 NI 9

• “upbringing”, in relation to any child, includes the care of the child but not his maintenance;

• “voluntary home” has the meaning given in Article 74(1);

• “voluntary organisation” has the meaning given in Article 74(1).

(3) Where a function is exercisable by a Health and Social Services trust by virtue of an authorisation for the time being in operation under Article 3(1) of the Health and Personal Socal Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1994F26 , references to an authority are, to the extent that that function is exercisable by that trust, references to that trust.

(4) References in this Order to the area of an authority in relation to any function are—

(a) where the references are to the area of a Health and Social Services trust, references to the operational area of that trust (as defined in Article 2(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972) in relation to that function;

(b) where the references are to the area of a Board, references to so much of the area of the Board as does not fall within the operational area of a Health and Social Services trust in relation to that function.

(5) References in this Order to a child whose father and mother were, or (as the case may be) were not, married to each other at the time of his birth shall be construed in accordance with Article 155.

(6) References in this Order—

(a) to a person with whom a child lives, or is to live, as the result of a residence order; or

(b) to a person in whose favour a residence order is in force,

shall be construed as references to the person named in the order as the person with whom the child is to live.

(7) References in this Order—

(a) to a child who is in the care of an authority shall be construed as references to a child who is in the care of the authority by virtue of a care order;

(b) to a child who is looked after by an authority shall be construed in accordance with Article 25.

(8) References in this Order[F27 except in Articles 34C and 35B] to accommodation provided by an authority are references to accommodation and maintenance provided as described in Article 27(2).

(9) In determining the “ordinary residence” of a child for any purpose of this Order, there shall be disregarded any period in which he lives in any place—

(a) which is a school or other institution;

(b) in compliance with a residence requirement of a probation order or of a supervision order under this Order or[F28 or with a juvenile justice centre order]; or

(c) while he is being provided with accommodation by or on behalf of an authority.

(10) References in this Order to children who are in need shall be construed in accordance with Article 17 (children in need and their families).

F3 1954 c. 33 (NI)

F4 1987 NI 22

F5 2003 NI 9

F6 2004 c.33

F7 1986 NI 3

F8 prosp. rep. by 2002 c. 21

F9 1999 c.10

F10 1992 c. 7

F11 1998 NI 6

F12 1992 c. 7

F13 1993 NI 6

F14 1991 NI 1

F15 1988 NI 23

F16 1972 NI 14

F17 1995 NI 15

F18 1986 NI 3

F19 1983 c. 54

F20 prosp. inserted by SI 2002/3135

F21 1986 NI 4

F22 1996 NI 24

F23 1986 NI 3

F24 1996 NI 1

F25 1990 NI 3

F26 1994 NI 2

F27 2002 c. 11 (NI)

F28 1998 NI 9

PART II N.I. GENERAL

Child's welfare N.I.

Child's welfare to be paramount consideration N.I.

3.—(1) Where a court determines any question with respect to—

(a) the upbringing of a child; or

(b) the administration of a child's property or the application of any income arising from it,

the child's welfare shall be the court's paramount consideration.

(2) In any proceedings in which any question with respect to the upbringing of a child arises, the court shall have regard to the general principle that any delay in determining the question is likely to prejudice the welfare of the child.

(3) In the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (4), a court shall have regard in particular to—

(a) the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child concerned (considered in the light of his age and understanding);

(b) his physical, emotional and educational needs;

(c) the likely effect on him of any change in his circumstances;

(d) his age, sex, background and any characteristics of his which the court considers relevant;

(e) any harm which he has suffered or is at risk of suffering;

(f) how capable of meeting his needs is each of his parents and any other person in relation to whom the court considers the question to be relevant;

(g) the range of powers available to the court under this Order in the proceedings in question.

(4) The circumstances are that—

(a) the court is considering whether to make, vary or discharge an Article 8 order, and the making, variation or discharge of the order is opposed by any party to the proceedings; or

[F29 (aa) the court is considering whether to make an order under Article 7; or]

(b) the court is considering whether to make, vary or discharge an order under Part V.

(5) Where a court is considering whether or not to make one or more orders under this Order with respect to a child, it shall not make the order or any of the orders unless it considers that doing so would be better for the child than making no order at all.

F29 2001 c. 12 (NI)

Reports on child's welfare N.I.

4.—(1) A court considering any question with respect to a child under this Order may ask an authority to arrange for a suitably qualified person to report to the court on such matters relating to the welfare of that child as are required to be dealt with in the report.

(2) The Lord Chancellor mayF30 make regulations specifying matters which, unless the court orders otherwise, must be dealt with in any report under this Article.

(3) The report may be made in writing, or orally, as the court requires.

(4) Regardless of any statutory provision or rule of law which would otherwise prevent the court from doing so, the court may take account of—

(a) any statement contained in the report; and

(b) any evidence given in respect of the matters referred to in the report,

in so far as the statement or evidence is, in the opinion of the court, relevant to the question which it is considering.

(5) An authority shall comply with any request for a report under this Article.

F30 prosp. insertion by 2005 c. 4

Parental responsibility N.I.

Parental responsibility for children N.I.

5.—(1) Where a child's father and mother were married to each other at the time of his birth, they shall each have parental responsibility for the child.

(2) Where a child's father and mother were not married to each other at the time of his birth—

(a) the mother shall have parental responsibility for the child;

(b) the father[F31 shall have parental responsibility for the child if he has acquired it (and has not ceased to have it)] in accordance with the provisions of this Order.

(3) The rule of law that a father is the natural guardian of his legitimate child is abolished.

(4) More than one person may have parental responsibility for the same child at the same time.

(5) A person who has parental responsibility for a child at any time shall not cease to have that responsibility solely because some other person subsequently acquires parental responsibility for the child.

(6) Where more than one person has parental responsibility for a child, each of them may act alone and without the other (or others) in meeting that responsibility; but nothing in this Part shall be taken to affect the operation of any statutory provision which requires the consent of more than one person in a matter affecting the child.

(7) The fact that a person has parental responsibility for a child shall not entitle him to act in any way which would be incompatible with any order made with respect to the child under this Order.

(8) A person who has parental responsibility for a child may not surrender or transfer any part of that responsibility to another but may arrange for some or all of it to be met by one or more persons acting on his behalf.

(9) The person with whom any such arrangement is made may himself be a person who already has parental responsibility for the child concerned.

(10) The making of any such arrangement shall not affect any liability of the person making it which may arise from any failure to meet any part of his parental responsibility for the child concerned.

F31 2001 c. 12 (NI)

Meaning of “parental responsibility” N.I.

6.—(1) In this Order “parental responsibility” means all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property.

(2) It also includes the rights, powers and duties which a guardian of the child's fortune or estate (appointed, before the commencement of Part XV (guardians), to act generally) would have had in relation to the child and his property.

(3) The rights referred to in paragraph (2) include, in particular, the right of the guardian to receive or recover in his own name, for the benefit of the child, property of whatever description and wherever situated which the child is entitled to receive or recover.

(4) The fact that a person has, or does not have, parental responsibility for a child shall not affect—

(a) any obligation which he may have in relation to the child (such as a statutory duty to maintain the child); or

(b) any rights which, in the event of the child's death, he (or any other person) may have in relation to the child's property.

(5) A person who—

(a) does not have parental responsibility for a particular child; but

(b) has care of the child,

may (subject to the provisions of this Order) do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare.

Acquisition of parental responsibility N.I.

7.—(1) Where a child's father and mother were not married to each other at the time of his birth[F32 , the father shall acquire parental responsibility for the child if—

(a) he becomes registered as the child's father;

(b) he and the child's mother make an agreement (a “parental responsibility agreement”) providing for him to have parental responsibility for the child; or

(c) the court, on his application, orders that he shall have parental responsibility for the child].

[F32 (1A) A child's step-parent shall acquire parental responsibility for the child if the court, on the application of the step-parent, orders that he shall have parental responsibility for the child.

(1B) Where a person has parental responsibility for a child as a result of paragraph (1A), he shall not have the right—

(a) to consent, or refuse to consent, to the making of an application with respect to the child under Article 17 of the Adoption Order;

(b) to agree, or refuse to agree, to the making of an adoption order, or an order under Article 57 of the Adoption Order, with respect to the child; or

(c) to appoint a guardian for the child.

(1C) In paragraph (1A) “step-parent” means a person who is married to[F33 , or a civil partner of,] a child's parent who has parental responsibility for the child.]

(2) No parental responsibility agreement shall have effect for the purposes of this Order unless—

(a) it is made in the prescribed form; and

(b) it has been recorded in the prescribed manner (if any).

(3) In this Article “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Department of Finance and Personnel[F32 and “registered” in paragraph (1)(a) means registered under—

(a) Article 14(3)(a), (b) or (c) of the Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976;

(b) paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of section 10(1) or 10A(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953; or

(c) paragraph (a), (b)(i) or (c) of section 18(1) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965.]

[F32 (3A) A person who has acquired parental responsibility under paragraph (1) or (1A) shall cease to have that responsibility if the court so orders.

(4) The court may make an order under paragraph (3A) on the application—

(a) of any person who has parental responsibility for the child; or

(b) with leave of the court, of the child himself,

subject, in the case of parental responsibility acquired by the father of the child under paragraph (1)(c), to Article 12(4) (residence orders and parental responsibility).]

(5) The court may only grant leave under paragraph (4)(b) if it is satisfied that the child has sufficient understanding to make the proposed application.

F32 2001 c. 12 (NI)

F33 2004 c. 33

PART III N.I. ORDERS WITH RESPECT TO CHILDREN IN FAMILY PROCEEDINGS

General N.I.

Residence, contact and other orders with respect to children N.I.

8.—(1) In this Order—

• “contact order” means an order requiring the person with whom a child lives, or is to live, to allow the child to visit or stay with the person named in the order, or for that person and the child otherwise to have contact with each other;

• “prohibited steps order” means an order that no step which could be taken by a parent in meeting his parental responsibility for a child, and which is of a kind specified in the order, shall be taken by any person without the consent of the court;

• “residence order” means an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom a child is to live; and

• “specific issue order” means an order giving directions for the purpose of determining a specific question which has arisen, or which may arise, in connection with any aspect of parental responsibility for a child.

(2) In this Order “Article 8 order” means any of the orders mentioned in paragraph (1) and any order varying or discharging such an order.

(3) For the purposes of this Order “family proceedings” means any proceedings—

(a) under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court in relation to children; and

(b) under the provisions mentioned in paragraph (4),

but does not include proceedings on an application for leave under Article 173(2) (restriction on use of wardship jurisdiction).

(4) The provisions are—

(a) Part II, this Part, Part V (care and supervision) and Part XV (guardians);

(b) the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978F34 ;

(c) the Domestic Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1980F35 ;

Sub‐para.(d) rep. by 1998 NI 6

(e) the Adoption Order;

(f) Part IV of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1989F36 ;

(g) section 30 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990F37 .

[F38 (h) the Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.]

[F39 (i) Chapter 2 of Part 4 of, or Schedule 15, 16 or 17 to, the Civil Partnership Act 2004]

F34 1978 NI 15

F35 1980 NI 5

F36 1989 NI 4

F37 1990 c. 37

F38 1998 NI 6

F39 2004 c. 33

Restrictions on making Article 8 orders N.I.

9.—(1) No court shall make any Article 8 order, other than a residence order, with respect to a child who is in the care of an authority.

(2) No application may be made by an authority for a residence order or contact order and no court shall make such an order in favour of an authority.

(3) A person who is, or was at any time within the last six months, an authority foster parent of a child may not apply for leave to apply for an Article 8 order with respect to the child unless—

(a) he has the consent of the authority;

(b) he is a relative of the child; or

(c) the child has lived with him for at least three years preceding the application.

(4) The period of three years mentioned in paragraph (3)(c) need not be continuous but must have begun not more than five years before the making of the application.

(5) No court shall exercise its powers to make a specific issue order or prohibited steps order—

(a) with a view to achieving a result which could be achieved by making a residence or contact order; or

(b) in any way which is denied to the High Court (by Article 173(1)) in the exercise of its inherent jurisdiction with respect to children.

(6) No court shall make any Article 8 order which is to have effect for a period which will end after the child has reached the age of 16 unless it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case are exceptional.

(7) No court shall make any Article 8 order, other than one varying or discharging such an order, with respect to a child who has reached the age of 16 unless it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case are exceptional.

Power of court to make Article 8 orders N.I.

10.—(1) In any family proceedings in which a question arises with respect to the welfare of any child, the court may make an Article 8 order with respect to the child if—

(a) an application for the order has been made by a person who—

(i) is entitled to apply for an Article 8 order with respect to the child; or

(ii) has obtained the leave of the court to make the application; or

(b) the court considers that the order should be made even though no such application has been made.

(2) The court may also make an Article 8 order with respect to any child on the application of a person who—

(a) is entitled to apply for an Article 8 order with respect to the child; or

(b) has obtained the leave of the court to make the application.

(3) This Article is subject to the restrictions imposed by Article 9.

(4) The following persons are entitled to apply to the court for any Article 8 order with respect to a child—

(a) any parent or guardian of the child;

(b) any person in whose favour a residence order is in force with respect to the child.

(5) The following persons are entitled to apply for a residence or contact order with respect to a child—

(a) any party to a marriage (whether or not subsisting) in relation to whom the child is a child of the family;

[F40 (aa) any civil partner in a civil partnership (whether or not subsisting) in relation to whom the child is a child of the family;]

(b) any person with whom the child has lived for a period of at least three years;

(c) any person who—

(i) in any case where a residence order is in force with respect to the child, has the consent of each of the persons in whose favour the order was made;

(ii) in any case where the child is in the care of an authority, has the consent of that authority; or

(iii) in any other case, has the consent of each of those (if any) who have parental responsibility for the child.

(6) A person who would not otherwise be entitled (under paragraphs (1) to (5)) to apply for the variation or discharge of an Article 8 order shall be entitled to do so if—

(a) the order was made on his application; or

(b) in the case of a contact order, he is named in the order.

(7) Any person who falls within a category of person prescribed by rules of court is entitled to apply for any such Article 8 order as may be so prescribed in relation to that category of person.

(8) Where the person applying for leave to make an application for an Article 8 order is the child concerned, the court may only grant leave if it is satisfied that he has sufficient understanding to make the proposed application for the Article 8 order.

(9) Where the person applying for leave to make an application for an Article 8 order is not the child concerned, the court shall, in deciding whether or not to grant leave, have particular regard to—

(a) the nature of the proposed application for the Article 8 order;

(b) the applicant's connection with the child;

(c) any risk there might be of that proposed application disrupting the child's life to such an extent that he would be harmed by it; and

(d) where the child is being looked after by an authority—

(i) the authority's plans for the child's future; and

(ii) the wishes and feelings of the child's parents.

(10) The period of three years mentioned in paragraph (5)(b) need not be continuous but must not have begun more than five years before, or ended more than three months before, the making of the application.

F40 2004 c. 33

General principles and supplementary provisions N.I.

11.—(1) In proceedings in which any question of making an Article 8 order, or any other question with respect to such an order, arises, the court shall (in the light of any rules made by virtue of paragraph (2))—

(a) draw up a timetable with a view to determining the question without delay; and

(b) give such directions as it considers appropriate for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that that timetable is adhered to.

(2) Rules of court may—

(a) specify periods within which specified steps must be taken in relation to proceedings in which such questions arise; and

(b) make other provision with respect to such proceedings for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that such questions are determined without delay.

(3) Where a court has power to make an Article 8 order, it may do so at any time during the course of the proceedings in question even though it is not in a position to dispose finally of those proceedings.

(4) Where a residence order is made in favour of two or more persons who do not themselves all live together, the order may specify the periods during which the child is to live in the different households concerned.

(5) Where—

(a) a residence order has been made with respect to a child; and

(b) as a result of the order the child lives, or is to live, with one of two parents who each have parental responsibility for him,

the residence order shall cease to have effect if the parents live together for a continuous period of more than six months.

(6) A contact order which requires the parent with whom a child lives to allow the child to visit, or otherwise have contact with, his other parent shall cease to have effect if the parents live together for a continuous period of more than six months.

(7) An Article 8 order may—

(a) contain directions about how it is to be carried into effect;

(b) impose conditions which must be complied with by any person—

(i) in whose favour the order is made;

(ii) who is a parent of the child concerned;

(iii) who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iv) with whom the child is living;

and to whom the conditions are expressed to apply;

(c) be made to have effect for a specified period, or contain provisions which are to have effect for a specified period;

(d) make such incidental, supplemental or consequential provision as the court thinks fit.

Residence orders and parental responsibility N.I.

12.—(1) Where the court makes a residence order in favour of the father of a child it shall, if the father would not otherwise have parental responsibility for the child, also make an order under Article 7 giving him that responsibility.

(2) Where the court makes a residence order in favour of any person who is not the parent or guardian of the child concerned that person shall have parental responsibility for the child while the residence order remains in force.

(3) Where a person has parental responsibility for a child as a result of paragraph (2), he shall not have the right—

(a) to consent, or refuse to consent, to the making of an application with respect to the child under Article 17 of the Adoption Order;

(b) to agree, or refuse to agree, to the making of an adoption order, or an order under Article 57 of the Adoption Order, with respect to the child; or

(c) to appoint a guardian for the child.

(4) Where paragraph (1) requires the court to make an order under Article 7 in respect of the father of a child, the court shall not bring that order to an end at any time while the residence order concerned remains in force.

[F41 Residence and contact orders and domestic violence N.I.

12A.— (1) Where a court is considering whether to make a residence or contact order in favour of a prohibited person, the court shall consider whether the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering any harm through seeing or hearing ill-treatment of another person by the prohibited person.

(2) A person is a prohibited person for the purposes of paragraph (1) if either he is or the court considers that he should be prohibited by a non-molestation order under the Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 from molesting another person.

(3) Paragraph (1) is without prejudice to Article 3.]

F41 1998 NI 6

Change of child's name or removal from jurisdiction N.I.

13.—(1) Where a residence order is in force with respect to a child, no person shall—

(a) cause the child to be known by a new surname; or

(b) remove him from the United Kingdom;

without either the written consent of every person who has parental responsibility for the child or the leave of the court.

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) shall not prevent the removal of a child, for a period of less than one month, by the person in whose favour the residence order is made.

(3) In making a residence order with respect to a child the court may grant the leave required by paragraph (1)(b), either generally or for specified purposes.

Enforcement of residence orders N.I.

14.—(1) Where—

(a) a residence order is in force with respect to a child in favour of any person; and

(b) any other person (including one in whose favour the order is also in force) is in breach of the arrangements settled by the order,

the person mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) may, as soon as a copy of the order has been served on the other person, enforce it under Article 112(3) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981F42 as if it were an order requiring the other person to produce the child to him.

(2) Paragraph (1) is without prejudice to any other remedy open to the person in whose favour the residence order is in force.

F42 1981 NI 26

Financial relief N.I.

Orders for financial relief with respect to children N.I.

15.—(1) Schedule 1 (which makes provision in relation to financial relief for children) shall have effect.

(2) The powers of a court of summary jurisdiction under Article 86 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 to revoke, suspend, review, vary or discharge an order for the periodical payment of money and the power of the clerk of petty sessions to vary such an order shall not apply in relation to an order made under Schedule 1.

(3) Schedule 1 is without prejudice to the Child Support (Northern Ireland) Order 1991F43 .

F43 1991 NI 23

Family assistance orders N.I.

Family assistance orders N.I.

16.—(1) Where, in any family proceedings, the court has power to make an order under this Part with respect to any child, it may (whether or not it makes such an order) make an order requiring an authority to make a suitably qualified person available, to advise, assist and (where appropriate) befriend any person named in the order.

(2) The persons who may be named in an order under this Article (a “family assistance order”) are—

(a) any parent or guardian of the child;

(b) any person with whom the child is living or in whose favour a contact order is in force with respect to the child;

(c) the child himself.

(3) No court may make a family assistance order unless—

(a) it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case are exceptional; and

(b) it has obtained the consent of every person to be named in the order other than the child.

(4) A family assistance order may direct—

(a) the person named in the order; or

(b) such of the persons named in the order as may be specified in the order,

to take such steps as may be so specified with a view to enabling the suitably qualified person mentioned in paragraph (1) to be kept informed of the address of any person named in the order and to be allowed to visit him.

(5) Unless it specifies a shorter period, a family assistance order shall have effect for a period of six months beginning with the day on which it is made.

(6) Where—

(a) a family assistance order is in force with respect to a child; and

(b) an Article 8 order is also in force with respect to the child,

the suitably qualified person mentioned in paragraph (1) may refer to the court the question whether the Article 8 order should be varied or discharged.

(7) A family assistance order shall not be made so as to require an authority to make a suitably qualified person available under paragraph (1) unless—

(a) the authority agrees; or

(b) the child concerned lives or will live within its area.

PART IV N.I. SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Children in need and their families N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

17.  For the purposes of this Part a child shall be taken to be in need if—

(a) he is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him of services by an authority under this Part;

(b) his health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision for him of such services; or

(c) he is disabled,

and “family”, in relation to such a child, includes any person who has parental responsibility for the child and any other person with whom he has been living.

[F44 Assessments and services for children who are carers N.I.

17A.— (1) If —

(a) a child ( “the carer”) provides or intends to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis for a person aged 18 or over;

(b) the child requests an authority to carry out an assessment for the purposes of determining whether he is to be taken to be in need for the purposes of this Part; and

(c) the authority is satisfied that the person cared for is someone for whom it may provide personal social services,

the authority—

(i) shall carry out such an assessment; and

(ii) taking the results of that assessment into account, shall determine whether the child is to be taken to be in need for the purposes of this Part.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if the child provides or will provide the care in question—

(a) by virtue of a contract of employment or other contract with any person; or

(b) as a volunteer for a voluntary organisation.

(3) Subject to any directions given by the Department to the authority under—

(a) Article 17 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (in the case of a Board); or

(b) paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 to the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 1)(in the case of an HSS trust),

an assessment under this Article is to be carried out in such manner, and is to take such form, as the authority considers appropriate.]

F44 2002 c. 6 (NI)

General duty of authority to provide personal social services for children in need, their families and others N.I.

18.—(1) It shall be the general duty of every authority (in addition to the other duties imposed by this Part)—

(a) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within its area who are in need; and

(b) so far as is consistent with that duty, to promote the upbringing of such children by their families,

by providing a range and level of personal social services appropriate to those children's needs.

(2) For the purpose principally of facilitating its general duty under this Article, every authority shall have the specific powers and duties set out in Schedule 2.

(3) Any service provided by an authority in the exercise of functions conferred on it by this Article may be provided for the family of a particular child in need or for any member of his family, if the service is provided with a view to safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare.

(4) The Department may by order amend any provision of Schedule 2 or add any further duty or power to those mentioned there.

(5) Every authority—

(a) shall facilitate the provision by others (including in particular voluntary organisations) of services which the authority has power to provide by virtue of this Article or Article 19, 21, 27,[F45 34C to 34E, 35A or 35B]; and

(b) may make such arrangements as it sees fit for any person to act on its behalf in the provision of any such service.

(6) The services provided by an authority in the exercise of functions conferred on it by this Article may include giving assistance in kind or, in exceptional circumstances, in cash.

(7) Assistance may be unconditional or subject to conditions as to the repayment of the assistance or of its value (in whole or in part).

(8) Before giving any assistance or imposing any conditions, an authority shall have regard to the means of the child concerned and of each of his parents.

(9) No person shall be liable to make any repayment of assistance or of its value at any time when he is in receipt of income support,[F46 of any element of child tax credit other than the family element, of working tax credit][F47 or of an income-based jobseeker's allowance].

[F48 (10) The Treasury may by regulations prescribe circumstances in which a person is to be treated for the purposes of this Part (or for such of those purposes as are prescribed) as in receipt of any element of child tax credit other than the family element or of working tax credit.]

F45 2002 c. 11 (NI)

F46 2002 c. 21

F47 1995 NI 15

F48 2002 c. 21

[F49 Assessments: carers of disabled children N.I.

18A.— (1) Where—

(a) the carer of a disabled child who has parental responsibility for the child requests an authority to carry out an assessment of the carer's ability to provide and to continue to provide care for the child; and

(b) the authority is satisfied that the child and his family are persons for whom it may provide services under Article 18,

the authority—

(i) shall carry out such an assessment; and

(ii) shall take the results of that assessment into account when deciding what, if any, services to provide under Article 18.

(2) Where—

(a) an authority carries out an assessment of the needs of a disabled child for the purposes of this Part or section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 (c. 53); and

(b) the carer of that child requests the authority, before it makes a decision as to whether the needs of that child call for the provision of any services, to carry out an assessment of the carer's ability to provide and to continue to provide care for that child,

the authority—

(i) shall carry out such an assessment; and

(ii) shall take the results of that assessment into account in deciding what, if any, services to provide.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply if the carer provides or will provide the care in question—

(a) by virtue of a contract of employment or other contract with any person; or

(b) as a volunteer for a voluntary organisation.

(4) Subject to any directions given by the Department to the authority under—

(a) Article 17 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (NI 14) (in the case of a Board); or

(b) paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 to the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (in the case of an HSS trust),

an assessment under this Article is to be carried out in such manner, and is to take such form, as the authority considers appropriate.

(5) For the purposes of an assessment under this Article, the authority may take into account, so far as it considers it to be material, any other assessment made under this Article.

(6) Section 8 of the Disabled Persons (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 10) (duty of authority to take into account ability of carer of disabled person) does not apply in any case where an assessment is made under subsection (2).

(7) In this Article “carer”, in relation to a disabled child, means an individual who provides or intends to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis for that child.]

F49 2002 c. 6 (NI)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F50 N.I.

F50 prosp. inserted by 2002 c. 6 (NI)

[F51 Direct payments N.I.

18C.— (1) The Department may by regulations make provision for and in connection with requiring or authorising an authority in the case of a person of a prescribed description who falls within paragraph (2) to make, with that person's consent, such payments to him as the authority may determine in accordance with the regulations in respect of his securing the provision of the service mentioned in that paragraph.

(2) A person falls within this paragraph if he is—

(a) a person with parental responsibility for a disabled child;

(b) a disabled person with parental responsibility for a child; or

(c) a disabled child aged 16 or 17,

and the authority has decided for the purposes of Article 18 that the child's needs (or, if he is such a disabled child, his needs) call for the provision by it of a service under that Article.

(3) Regulations under this Article may, in particular, make provision—

(a) specifying circumstances in which the authority is not required or authorised to make any payments under the regulations to a person, whether those circumstances relate to the person in question or to the particular service mentioned in paragraph (2);

(b) for any payments required or authorised by the regulations to be made to a person by the authority ( “direct payments”) to be made to that person ( “the payee”) as gross payments or alternatively as net payments;

(c) for the authority to make for the purposes of paragraph (4) or (5) such determinations as to—

(i) the payee's means; and

(ii) the amount (if any) which it would be reasonably practicable for him to pay to the authority by way of reimbursement or contribution,

as may be prescribed;

(d) as to the conditions falling to be complied with by the payee which must or may be imposed by the authority in relation to the direct payments (and any conditions which may not be so imposed);

(e) specifying circumstances in which the authority—

(i) may or must terminate the making of direct payments;

(ii) may require repayment (whether by the payee or otherwise) of the whole or part of the direct payments);

(f) for any sum falling to be paid or repaid to the authority by virtue of any condition or other requirement imposed in pursuance of the regulations to be recoverable as a debt due to the authority;

(g) displacing functions or obligations of the authority with respect to the provision of the service mentioned in paragraph (2) only to such extent, and subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed;

(h) authorising direct payments to be made to any prescribed person on behalf of the payee.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) “gross payments” means payments—

(a) which are made at such rate as the authority estimates to be equivalent to the reasonable cost of securing the provision of the service concerned; but

(b) which may be made subject to the condition that the payee pays to the authority, by way of reimbursement, an amount or amounts determined under the regulations.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) “net payments” means payments—

(a) which are made on the basis that the payee will himself pay an amount or amounts determined under the regulations by way of contribution towards the cost of securing the provision of the service concerned; and

(b) which are accordingly made at such a rate below that mentioned in paragraph (4)(a) as reflects any such contribution by the payee.

(6) Regulations under this section shall provide that, where payments are made under the regulations to a person falling within paragraph (7)—

(a) the payments shall be made at the rate mentioned in paragraph (4)(a); and

(b) paragraph (4)(b) shall not apply.

(7) A person falls within this subsection if he is—

(a) a person falling within paragraph (2)(a) or (b) and the child in question is aged 16 or 17; or

(b) a person who is in receipt of income support F52 , working families' tax credit or disabled person's tax credit under Part VII of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 7)[F53 , of any element of child tax credit other than the family element, of working tax credit] or of an income-based jobseeker's allowance.

(8) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a) may provide that direct payments shall not be made in respect of the provision of residential accommodation for any person for a period in excess of a prescribed period.

(9) In this Article “prescribed” means specified in or determined in accordance with regulations under this Article.]

F51 2002 c. 6 (NI)

F52 prosp. rep. by 2002 c. 21

F53 2002 c. 21

[F54 Information for carers N.I.

18D.— (1) An authority shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure—

(a) that information is generally available in its area concerning the right of a person to request an assessment under Article 17A or 18A; and

(b) that those in its area who might benefit from such an assessment receive the information relevant to them;

and nothing in paragraph (2) or (3) prejudices the generality of this paragraph.

(2) Where it appears to an authority that—

(a) a child ( “the carer”) provides or intends to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis for a person aged 18 or over; and

(b) the person cared for is someone for whom it may provide personal social services,

the authority shall notify the carer that he may be entitled to request an assessment under Article 17A(1).

(3) Where it appears to an authority that—

(a) a disabled child is cared for by a carer who has parental responsibility for the child; and

(b) the disabled child and his family are persons for whom the authority may provide services under Article18,

the authority shall notify the carer that he may be entitled to request an assessment under Article 18A(1).

(4) Where—

(a) an authority proposes to carry out an assessment of the needs of a disabled child for the purposes of this Part or section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 (c. 53); and

(b) it appears to the authority that that child is cared for by a carer,

the authority shall notify the carer that he may be entitled to request an assessment under Article 18A(2).]

F54 2002 c. 6 (NI)

Day care for pre-school and other children N.I.

19.—(1) In this Article—

• “day care” means any form of care or supervised activity provided for children during the day (whether or not it is provided on a regular basis);

• “supervised activity” means an activity supervised by a responsible person.

(2) Every authority shall provide such day care for children in need within the authority's area who are—

(a) aged five or under; and

(b) not yet attending schools,

as is appropriate.

(3) An authority may provide day care for children within the authority's area who satisfy the conditions mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) and (b) even though they are not in need.

(4) An authority may provide facilities (including training, advice, guidance and counselling) for those—

(a) caring for children in day care; or

(b) who at any time accompany such children while they are in day care.

(5) Every authority shall provide for children in need within the authority's area who are attending any school such care or supervised activities as is appropriate—

(a) outside school hours; and

(b) during school holidays.

(6) An authority may provide such care or supervised activities for children within the authority's area who are attending any school even though those children are not in need.

(7) Every authority shall, in carrying out its functions under this Article, have regard to any day care provided for children within the authority's area by a district council or an education and library board or by other persons.

Review of provision for day care, child minding, etc. N.I.

20.—(1) Every authority shall review—

(a) the provision which it makes under Article 19;

(b) the extent to which the services of child minders are available within the authority's area with respect to children under the age of twelve;

(c) the provision for day care within the authority's area made for such children by persons required to register under Article 118(1)(b).

(2) A review under paragraph (1) shall be conducted—

(a) together with the appropriate education and library board and district councils; and

(b) at least once in every review period.

(3) In paragraph (2)(b) “review period” means the period of one year beginning with the commencement of this Article and each subsequent period of three years beginning with an anniversary of that commencement.

(4) In conducting any such review, the authority shall have regard to any exempt provision made within the authority's area with respect to children under the age of twelve.

(5) In paragraph (4) “exempt provision” means provision to which the exemption provided by paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 121 applies (schools, hospitals and other establishments exempt from the registration requirements which apply in relation to the provision of day care).

(6) Where an authority has conducted a review under this Article it shall publish the result of the review—

(a) as soon as is reasonably practicable;

(b) in such form as it considers appropriate; and

(c) together with any proposals it may have with respect to the matters reviewed.

(7) Any review under this Article shall have regard to any representations which the authority considers to be relevant.

Provision of accommodation for children: general N.I.

21.—(1) Every authority shall provide accommodation for any child in need within its area who appears to the authority to require accommodation as a result of—

(a) there being no person who has parental responsibility for him;

(b) his being lost or having been abandoned; or

(c) the person who has been caring for him being prevented (whether or not permanently, and for whatever reason) from providing him with suitable accommodation or care.

(2) Where an authority provides accommodation under paragraph (1) for a child who is ordinarily resident in the area of another authority, that other authority may take over the provision of accommodation for the child within—

(a) three months of being notified in writing that the child is being provided with accommodation; or

(b) such other longer period as may be prescribed.

(3) Every authority shall provide accommodation for any child in need within its area who has reached the age of 16 and whose welfare the authority considers is likely to be seriously prejudiced if it does not provide him with accommodation.

(4) An authority may provide accommodation for any child within the authority's area (even though a person who has parental responsibility for him is able to provide him with accommodation) if the authority considers that to do so would safeguard or promote the child's welfare.

(5) An authority may provide accommodation for any person who has reached the age of 16 but is under 21 in any home provided under Part VII which takes children who have reached the age of 16 if the authority considers that to do so would safeguard or promote his welfare.

(6) Before providing accommodation under this Article, an authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable and consistent with the child's welfare—

(a) ascertain the child's wishes regarding the provision of accommodation; and

(b) give due consideration (having regard to his age and understanding) to such wishes of the child as the authority has been able to ascertain.

Powers of person with parental responsibility N.I.

22.—(1) An authority may not provide accommodation under Article 21 for any child if any person who—

(a) has parental responsibility for him; and

(b) is willing and able to—

(i) provide accommodation for him; or

(ii) arrange for accommodation to be provided for him,

objects.

(2) Any person who has parental responsibility for a child may at any time remove the child from accommodation provided by or on behalf of the authority under Article 21.

(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply while any person—

(a) in whose favour a residence order is in force with respect to the child; or

(b) who has care of the child by virtue of an order made in the exercise of the High Court's inherent jurisdiction with respect to children,

agrees to the child being looked after in accommodation provided by or on behalf of the authority.

(4) Where there is more than one such person as is mentioned in paragraph (3), all of them must agree.

(5) Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply where a child who has reached the age of 16 agrees to being provided with accommodation under Article 21.

Provision of accommodation for children in police protection N.I.

23.—(1) Every authority shall make provision for the reception and accommodation of children who are removed or kept away from home under Part VI.

(2) Every authority shall receive, and provide accommodation for, children in police protection whom the authority is requested to receive under Article 65(5)(e).

(3) Where a child has been removed under Part VI and he is not being provided with accommodation by an authority, any reasonable expenses of accommodating him shall be recoverable from the authority in whose area he is ordinarily resident.

Recoupment of cost of providing services, etc. N.I.

24.—(1) Where an authority provides any service under Article 18 or 19, other than advice, guidance or counselling, the authority may recover from a person specified in paragraph (4) such charge for the service as the authority considers reasonable.

(2) Where the authority is satisfied that that person's means are insufficient for it to be reasonably practicable for him to pay the charge, the authority shall not require him to pay more than he can reasonably be expected to pay.

(3) No person shall be liable to pay any charge under paragraph (1) at any time when he is in receipt of income support,[F55 of any element of child tax credit other than the family element, of working tax credit][F56 or of an income-based jobseeker's allowance].

[F57 (3A) No person shall be liable to pay any charge under paragraph (1) for a service provided under Article 19(3) or (6) at any time when—

(a) he is in receipt of guarantee state pension credit under section 1(3)(a) of the State Pension Credit Act (Northern Ireland) 2002; or

(b) he is a member of a[F58 couple] (within the meaning of that Act) the other member of which is in receipt of guarantee state pension credit.]

(4) The persons are—

(a) where the service is provided for a child under 16, each of his parents;

(b) where it is provided for a child who has reached the age of 16, the child himself; and

(c) where it is provided for a member of the child's family, that member.

(5) Any charge under paragraph (1) may, without prejudice to any other method of recovery, be recovered summarily as a civil debt.

(6) Where an authority provides any accommodation under Article 21(1) or Article 23(1) or (2) for a child who was (before the authority began to look after him) ordinarily resident within the area of another authority, the first authority may recover any reasonable expenses incurred by it in providing the accommodation and maintaining the child from the other authority.

F55 2002 c. 21

F56 1995 NI 15

F57 2002 c. 14 (NI)

F58 SR 2005/479

Children looked after by an authority N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

25.—(1) In this Order any reference to a child who is looked after by an authority is a reference to a child who is—

(a) in the care of the authority; or

(b) provided with accommodation by the authority.

(2) In paragraph (1)(b) “accommodation” means accommodation which is provided for a continuous period of more than 24 hours[F59 but does not include accommodation provided under Article 34C or 35B].

(3) Paragraph (1) is subject to Article 2(8).

F59 2002 c. 11 (NI)

General duty of authority N.I.

26.—(1) Every authority looking after a child shall—

(a) safeguard and promote his welfare; and

(b) make such use of services available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to the authority reasonable in his case.

(2) Before making any decision with respect to a child whom it is looking after, or proposing to look after, an authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

(a) the child;

(b) his parents;

(c) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(d) any other persons whose wishes and feelings the authority considers to be relevant,

regarding the matter to be decided.

(3) In making any such decision an authority shall give due consideration—

(a) having regard to his age and understanding, to such wishes and feelings of the child as the authority has been able to ascertain;

(b) to such wishes and feelings of any person mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) to (d) as the authority has been able to ascertain; and

(c) to the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.

(4) If it appears to an authority that it is necessary, for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious injury, to exercise its powers with respect to a child whom it is looking after in a manner which may not be consistent with its duties under this Article, the authority may do so.

(5) If the Department considers it necessary, for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious injury, to give directions to an authority with respect to the exercise of the authority's powers with respect to a child whom it is looking after, the Department may give such directions to the authority.

(6) Where any such directions are given to an authority, it shall comply with them even though doing so is inconsistent with its duties under this Article.

Accommodation and maintenance for children N.I.

27.—(1) Every authority looking after a child shall—

(a) when he is in the care of the authority, provide accommodation for him; and

(b) maintain him in other respects apart from providing accommodation for him.

(2) An authority shall provide accommodation and maintenance for any child whom it is looking after by—

(a) placing him (subject to paragraph (5) and any regulations made by the Department) with—

(i) a family;

(ii) a relative of his; or

(iii) any other suitable person,

on such terms as to payment by the authority and otherwise as the authority may determine;

[F60 (aa) maintaining him in an appropriate children's home;]

(f) making such other arrangements as—

(i) seem appropriate to the authority; and

(ii) comply with any regulations made by the Department.

(3) Any person with whom a child has been placed under paragraph (2)(a) is referred to in this Order as an authority foster parent unless he falls within paragraph (4).

(4) A person falls within this paragraph if he is—

(a) a parent of the child;

(b) a person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(c) where the child is in care and there was a residence order in force with respect to him immediately before the care order was made, a person in whose favour the residence order was made.

(5) Where a child is in the care of an authority, it may only allow him to live with a person who falls within paragraph (4) in accordance with regulations made by the Department.

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5) a child shall be regarded as living with a person if he stays with that person for a continuous period of more than 24 hours.

(7) Subject to any regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this paragraph, any authority looking after a child shall make arrangements to enable him to live with—

(a) a person falling within paragraph (4); or

(b) a relative, friend or other person connected with him,

unless that would not be reasonably practicable or consistent with his welfare.

(8) Where an authority provides accommodation for a child whom it is looking after, the authority shall, subject to the provisions of this Part and so far as is reasonably practicable and consistent with his welfare, secure that—

(a) the accommodation is near his home; and

(b) where the authority is also providing accommodation for a sibling of his, they are accommodated together.

(9) Where an authority provides accommodation for a child whom it is looking after and who is disabled, the authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, secure that the accommodation is not unsuitable to his particular needs.

[F60 (10) In this Order "appropriate children's home" means a children's home in respect of which a person is registered under Part III of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.]

F60 2003 NI 9

Regulations under Article 27 N.I.

28.—(1) Regulations under Article 27(2)(a) may, in particular, make provision—

(a) with regard to the welfare of children placed with authority foster parents;

(b) as to the arrangements to be made by authorities in connection with the health and education of such children;

(c) as to the records to be kept by authorities;

(d) for securing that a child is not placed with an authority foster parent unless that person is approved as an authority foster parent;

(e) for securing that where possible the authority foster parent with whom a child is to be placed is—

(i) of the same religious persuasion as the child; or

(ii) gives an undertaking that the child will be brought up in that religious persuasion;

(f) for securing that children placed with authority foster parents, and the premises in which they are accommodated, will be supervised and inspected by an authority and that the children will be removed from those premises if their welfare appears to require it;

(g) as to the circumstances in which an authority may make arrangements for duties imposed on it by the regulations to be discharged on its behalf.

(2) Regulations under Article 27(2)(f) may, in particular, make provision as to—

(a) the persons to be notified of any proposed arrangements;

(b) the opportunities such persons are to have to make representations in relation to the arrangements proposed;

(c) the persons to be notified of any proposed changes in arrangements;

(d) the records to be kept by authorities;

(e) the supervision by authorities of any arrangements made.

(3) Regulations under Article 27(5) may, in particular, impose requirements on an authority as to—

(a) the making of any decision by an authority to allow a child to live with any person falling within Article 27(4) (including requirements as to those who must be consulted before the decision is made, and those who must be notified when it has been made);

(b) the supervision or medical examination of the child concerned;

(c) the removal of the child, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, from the care of the person with whom he has been allowed to live;

(d) the records to be kept by authorities.

Promotion and maintenance of contact between child and family N.I.

29.—(1) Where a child is being looked after by an authority, the authority shall, unless it is not reasonably practicable or consistent with his welfare, endeavour to promote contact between the child and—

(a) his parents;

(b) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(c) any relative, friend or other person connected with him.

(2) Where a child is being looked after by an authority—

(a) the authority shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that—

(i) his parents; and

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him,

are kept informed of where he is being accommodated; and

(b) every such person shall secure that the authority is kept informed of the address of that person.

(3) Where an authority ( “the receiving authority”) takes over the provision of accommodation for a child from another authority ( “the transferring authority”) under Article 21(2)—

(a) the receiving authority shall (where reasonably practicable) inform—

(i) the child's parents; and

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

(b) paragraph (2)(a) shall apply to the transferring authority, as well as the receiving authority, until at least one such person has been informed of the change; and

(c) paragraph (2)(b) shall not require any person to inform the receiving authority of his address until he has been so informed.

(4) Nothing in this Article requires an authority to inform any person of the whereabouts of a child if—

(a) the child is in the care of the authority; and

(b) the authority has reasonable cause to believe that informing the person would prejudice the child's welfare.

(5) Any person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with paragraph (2)(b) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

(6) It shall be a defence in any proceedings under paragraph (5) to prove that the defendant was residing at the same address as another person who was the child's parent or had parental responsibility for the child and had reasonable cause to believe that the other person had informed the appropriate authority that both of them were residing at that address.

Visits to or by children: expenses N.I.

30.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies where—

(a) a child is being looked after by an authority; and

(b) the conditions mentioned in paragraph (3) are satisfied.

(2) The authority may—

(a) make payments to—

(i) a parent of the child;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) any relative, friend or other person connected with him,

in respect of travelling, subsistence or other expenses incurred by that person in visiting the child; or

(b) make payments to the child, or to any person on his behalf, in respect of travelling, subsistence or other expenses incurred by or on behalf of the child in his visiting—

(i) a parent of his;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) any relative, friend or other person connected with him.

(3) The conditions are that—

(a) it appears to the authority that the visit in question could not otherwise be made without undue financial hardship; and

(b) the circumstances warrant the making of the payments.

Appointment of visitor for child who is not being visited N.I.

31.—(1) Where it appears to an authority in relation to any child whom the authority is looking after that—

(a) communication between the child and—

(i) a parent of his, or

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him,

has been infrequent; or

(b) he has not visited or been visited by (or lived with) any such person during the preceding twelve months,

and that it would be in the child's best interests for an independent person to be appointed to be his visitor for the purposes of this Article, the authority shall appoint such a visitor.

(2) A person so appointed shall—

(a) have the duty of visiting, advising and befriending the child; and

(b) be entitled to recover from the authority which appointed him any reasonable expenses incurred by him for the purposes of his functions under this Article.

(3) A person's appointment as a visitor in pursuance of this Article shall be terminated if—

(a) he gives notice in writing to the authority which appointed him that he resigns the appointment; or

(b) the authority gives him notice in writing that the authority has terminated it.

(4) The termination of such an appointment shall not prejudice any duty under this Article to make a further appointment.

(5) Where an authority proposes to appoint a visitor for a child under this Article, the appointment shall not be made if—

(a) the child objects to it; and

(b) the authority is satisfied that the child has sufficient understanding to make an informed decision.

(6) Where a visitor has been appointed for a child under this Article, the authority shall terminate the appointment if—

(a) the child objects to its continuing; and

(b) the authority is satisfied that the child has sufficient understanding to make an informed decision.

(7) The Department may make regulations as to the circumstances in which a person appointed as a visitor under this Article is to be regarded as independent of the authority appointing him.

Power to guarantee apprenticeship deeds, etc. N.I.

32.—(1) While a child is being looked after by an authority, or is a person qualifying for advice and assistance (within the meaning given by Article 35), the authority may undertake any obligation by way of guarantee under any deed of apprenticeship or articles of clerkship which he enters into.

(2) Where an authority has undertaken any such obligation under any deed or articles it may at any time (whether or not it is still looking after the person concerned) undertake the like obligation under any supplemental deed or articles.

Arrangements to assist children to live abroad N.I.

33.—(1) An authority may only arrange for, or assist in arranging for, any child in its care to live outside Northern Ireland with the approval of the court.

(2) An authority may, with the approval of every person who has parental responsibility for the child, arrange for, or assist in arranging for, any other child looked after by the authority to live outside Northern Ireland.

(3) The court shall not give its approval under paragraph (1) unless it is satisfied that—

(a) living outside Northern Ireland would be in the child's best interests;

(b) suitable arrangements have been, or will be, made for his reception and welfare in the country in which he will live;

(c) the child has consented to living in that country; and

(d) every person who has parental responsibility for the child has consented to his living in that country.

(4) Where the court is satisfied that the child does not have sufficient understanding to give or withhold his consent, it may disregard paragraph (3)(c) and give its approval if the child is to live in the country concerned with a parent, guardian, or other suitable person.

(5) Where a person whose consent is required by paragraph (3)(d) fails to give his consent, the court may disregard that provision and give its approval if it is satisfied that that person—

(a) cannot be found;

(b) is incapable of consenting; or

(c) is withholding his consent unreasonably.

(6) Article 58 of the Adoption Order (which requires authority for taking or sending abroad a child for adoption) shall not apply in the case of any child who is to live outside Northern Ireland with the approval of the court given under this Article.

(7) Where a court decides to give its approval under this Article it may order that its decision is not to have effect during the appeal period.

(8) In paragraph (7) “the appeal period” means—

(a) where an appeal is made against the decision, the period between the making of the decision and the determination of the appeal; and

(b) otherwise, the period during which an appeal may be made against the decision.

Death of children being looked after by an authority N.I.

34.—(1) If a child who is being looked after by an authority dies, the authority—

(a) shall notify the Department;

(b) shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, notify the child's parents and every person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

(c) may, with the consent (so far as it is reasonably practicable to obtain it) of every person who has parental responsibility for the child, arrange for the child's body to be buried or cremated; and

(d) may, if the conditions mentioned in paragraph (2) are satisfied, make payments to any person who has parental responsibility for the child, or any relative, friend or other person connected with the child, in respect of travelling, subsistence or other expenses incurred by that person in attending the child's funeral.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) it appears to the authority that the person concerned could not otherwise attend the child's funeral without undue financial hardship; and

(b) that the circumstances warrant the making of the payments.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not authorise cremation where it does not accord with the practice of the child's religious persuasion.

(4) Where an authority has exercised its power under paragraph (1)(c) with respect to a child who was under 16 when he died, the authority may recover from any parent of the child any expenses incurred by the authority.

(5) Any sums so recoverable shall, without prejudice to any other method of recovery, be recoverable summarily as a civil debt.

(6) Nothing in this Article affects any statutory provision regulating or authorising the burial, cremation or anatomical examination of the body of a deceased person.

[F61 Preparation for ceasing to be looked after N.I.

34A.— (1) Where a child is being looked after by an authority, the authority shall advise, assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when the authority has ceased to look after him.

(2) Where a child who is being looked after by an authority is an eligible child, the authority shall have the following additional duties in relation to him.

(3) In paragraph (2) "eligible child" means, subject to paragraph (4), a child who—

(a) is aged 16 or 17; and

(b) has been looked after by an authority for a prescribed period, or periods amounting in all to a prescribed period, which began after he reached a prescribed age and ended after he reached the age of 16.

(4) The Department may prescribe—

(a) additional categories of eligible children; and

(b) categories of children who are not to be eligible children despite falling within paragraph (3).

(5) For each eligible child, the authority shall carry out an assessment of his needs with a view to determining what advice, assistance and support it would be appropriate for the authority to provide him under this Order—

(a) while it is still looking after him; and

(b) after it ceases to look after him,

and shall then prepare an pathway plan for him.

(6) The authority shall keep the pathway plan under regular review.

(7) Any such review may be carried out at the same time as a review of the child's case carried out by virtue of Article 45.

(8) The Department may by regulations make provision as to assessments for the purposes of paragraph (5).

(9) The regulations may in particular make provision about—

(a) who is to be consulted in relation to an assessment;

(b) the way in which an assessment is to be carried out, by whom and when;

(c) the recording of the results of an assessment;

(d) the considerations to which the authority is to have regard in carrying out an assessment.

(10) The authority shall arrange for each eligible child whom it is looking after to have a personal adviser.]

F61 2002 c. 11 (NI)

[F62 The responsible authority and relevant children N.I.

34B.— (1) The responsible authority shall have the functions set out in Article 34C in respect of a relevant child.

(2) In paragraph (1) "relevant child" means (subject to paragraph (3)) a child who—

(a) is not being looked after by an authority;

(b) was, before last ceasing to be looked after, an eligible child for the purposes of Article 34A; and

(c) is aged 16 or 17.

(3) The Department may prescribe—

(a) additional categories of relevant children; and

(b) categories of children who are not to be relevant children despite falling within paragraph (2).

(4) In paragraph (1) the "responsible authority" is the one which last looked after the child.

(5) If under paragraph (3)(a) the Department precribes a category of relevant children which includes children who do not fall within paragraph 2(b) (for example, because they were being looked after by a local authority in Great Britain), the Department may in the regulations also provide for which authority is to be the responsible authority for those children.]

F62 2002 c. 11 (NI)

Additional functions of the responsible authority in respect of relevant children N.I.

34C.—(1) An authority shall take reasonable steps to keep in touch with a relevant child for whom it is the responsible authority, whether he is within the authority's area or not.

(2) An authority shall appoint a personal adviser for each relevant child (if it had not already done so under Article 34A).

(3) An authority, in relation to any relevant child who does not already have a pathway plan prepared for the purposes of Article 34A, shall—

(a) carry out an assessment of his needs with a view to determining what advice, assistance and support it would be appropriate for the authority to provide him under this Part; and

(b) prepare a pathway plan for him.

(4) The authority may carry out such an assessment at the same time as any assessment of his needs is made under any statutory provision referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph 4 of Schedule 2, or under any other statutory provision.

(5) The Department may by regulations make provision as to assessments for the purposes of paragraph (3).

(6) The regulations may in particular provide for the matters set out in Article 34A(9).

(7) The authority shall keep the pathway plan under regular review.

(8) The responsible authority shall safeguard and promote the child's welfare and, unless the authority is satisfied that his welfare does not require it, support him by—

(a) maintaining him;

(b) providing him with or maintaining him in suitable accommodation; and

(c) providing support of such other descriptions as may be prescibed.

(9) Support under paragraph (8) may be in cash.

(10) The Department may by regulations make provision about the meaning of "suitable accommodation" and in particular about the suitability of landlords or other providers of accommodation.

(11) If it has lost touch with a relevant child, despite taking reasonable steps to keep in touch, the authority must without delay—

(a) consider how to re-establish contact; and

(b) take reasonable steps to do so,

and while the child is still a relevant child the authority must continue to take such steps until it succeeds.

(12) Paragraphs (7) to (9) of Article 18 apply in relation to support given under this Article as they apply in relation to assistance given under Article 18.

(13) Paragraphs (2) and (3) of Article 26 apply in relation to any decision by an authority for the purposes of this Article as they apply in relation to the decisions referred to in that Article.

Continuing functions in respect of former relevant children N.I.

34D.—(1) Each authority shall have the duties provided for in this Article towards—

(a) a person who has been a relevant child for the purposes of Article 34B (and would be one if he were under 18), and in relation to whom that authority was the last reponsible authority; and

(b) a person who was being looked after by that authority when he attained the age of 18, and immediately before ceasing to be looked after was an eligible child,

and in this Article such a person is referred to as a "former relevant child".

(2) The authority shall take reasonable steps—

(a) to keep in touch with a former relevant child whether he is within the authority's area or not; and

(b) if the authority loses touch with him, to re-establish contact.

(3) The authority shall—

(a) continue the appointment of a personal advisor for a former relevant child; and

(b) continue to keep his pathway plan under regular review.

(4) The authority shall give a former relevant child—

(a) assistance of the kind referred to in Article 35B(1), to the extent that his welfare requires it;

(b) assistance of the kind referred to in Article 35B(2), to the extent that his welfare and his educational or training needs require it;

(c) other assistance, to the extent that his welfare requires it.

(5) The assistance given under paragraph (4)(c) may be in kind or, in exceptional circumstances, in cash.

(6) Subject to paragraph (7), the duties set out in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) subsist until the former relevant child reaches the age of 21.

(7) If the former relevant child's pathway plan sets out a programme of education or training which extends beyond his twenty-first birthday—

(a) the duty set out in paragraph (4)(b) continues to subsist for so long as the former relevant child continues to pursue that programme; and

(b) the duties set out in paragraphs (2) and (3) continue to subsist concurrently with that duty.

(8) For the purposes of paragraph (7)(a) there shall be disregarded any interruption in a former relevant child's pursuance of a programme of education or training if the authority is satisifed that he will resume it as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(9) Article 35B(5) applies in relation to a person being given assistance under paragraph (4)(b) as it applies in relation to a person to whom Article 35B(3) applies.

(10) Paragraphs (7) to (9) of Article 18 apply in relation to assistance given under this Article as they apply in relation to assistance given under Article 18.

[F63 Personal advisers N.I.

34E.— (1) The Department may by regulations require every authority to appoint a personal adviser for children or young persons of a prescribed description who have reached the age of 16 but not the age of 21 who are not—

(a) the children referred to in Article 34A(10);

(b) children who are relevant children for the purposes of Article 34B; or

(c) the young persons referred to in Article 34D.

(2) Personal advisers appointed under this Part shall (in addition to any other functions) have such functions as the Department prescribes.]

F63 2002 c. 11 (NI)

Pathway Plans N.I.

34F.—(1) In this Part, a reference to a “pathway plan” is to a plan setting out—

(a) in the case of a plan prepared under Article 34A—

(i) the advice, assistance and support which the authority intends to provide a child under this Part, both while the authority is looking after him and later; and

(ii) when the authority might cease to look after him; and

(b) in the case of a plan prepared under Article 34C, the advice, assistance and support which the authority intends to provide under this Part,

and dealing with such other matters (if any) as may be prescribed.

(2) The Department may by regulations make provision about pathway plans and their review.

Advice and assistance for certain children[F64 and young persons] N.I.

F64 2002 c. 11 (NI)

[F65 Persons qualifying for advice and assistance N.I.

35.— (1) In this Part “a person qualifying for advice and assistance” means a person who—

(a) is under 21; and

(b) at any time after reaching the age of 16 but while still a child was, but is no longer, looked after, accommodated or fostered.

(2) In paragraph (1)(b) “looked after, accommodated or fostered” means—

(a) looked after by an authority;

(b) accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation;

(c) accommodated in a[F66 private] children's home;

(d) accommodated for a consecutive period of at least three months in—

(i) any accommodation provided by an education and library board; or

(ii) any residential care home; or

(iii) any hospital; or

(iv) any nursing home; or

(v) any prescribed accommodation; or

(e) privately fostered.

(3) Paragraph (2)(d) applies even if the period of three months mentioned there began before the child reached the age of 16.

(4) In the case of a person qualifying for advice and assistance by virtue of paragraph (2)(a), the authority which last looked after him shall take such steps as it thinks appropriate to contact him at such times as it thinks appropriate with a view to discharging its functions under Articles 35A and 35B.

(5) In each of Articles 35A and 35B, the authority under the duty or having the power mentioned there ( “the relevant authority”) is—

(a) in the case of a person qualifying for advice and assistance by virtue of paragraph (2)(a), the authority which last looked after him; or

(b) in the case of any other person qualifying for advice and assistance, the authority within whose area the person is (if he has asked for help of a kind which can be given under Article 35A or 35B).]

F65 2002 c. 11 (NI)

F66 2003 NI 9

Advice and assistance N.I.

35A.—(1) The relevant authority shall consider whether the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied in relation to a person qualifying for advice and assistance.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) he needs help of a kind which the authority can give under this Article or Article 35B; and

(b) in the case of a person who was not being looked after by an authority, the relevant authority is satisifed that the person by whom he was being looked after does not have the necessary facilities for advising or befriending him.

(3) If the conditions are satisfied—

(a) the relevant authority shall advise and befriend him if he was being looked after by an authority or was accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation; and

(b) in any other case the relevant authority may do so.

(4) Where as a result of this Article an authority is under a duty, or is empowered, to advise and befriend a person, it may also give him assistance.

(5) The assistance may be in kind or, in exceptional circumstances, in cash.

(6) Paragraphs (7) to (9) of Article 18 apply in relation to assistance given under this Article or Article 35B as they apply in relation to assistance given under Article 18.

Employment, education and training N.I.

35B.—(1) The relevant authority may give assistance to any person who qualifies for advice and assistance by virtue of Article 35(2)(a) by contributing to expenses incurred by him in living near the place where he is, or will be, employed or seeking employment.

(2) The relevant authority may give assistance to a person to whom paragraph (3) applies by—

(a) contributing to expenses incurred by the person in question in living near the place where he is, or will be, receiving education or training; or

(b) making a grant to enable him to meet expenses connected with his education or training.

(3) This paragraph applies to any person who—

(a) is under 24; and

(b) qualifies for advice and assistance by virtue of Article 35(2)(a), or would have done so if he were under 21.

(4) Where an authority is assisting a person under paragraph (2) it may disregard any interruption in his attendance on the course if he resumes it as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(5) Where the authority is satisfied that a person to whom paragraph (3) applies who is in full-time further or higher education needs accommodation during a vacation because his term-time accommodation is not available to him then, the authority shall give him assistance by—

(a) providing him with suitable accommodation during the vacation; or

(b) paying him enough to enable him to secure such accommodation himself.

(6) The Department may prescribe the meaning of “full-time”, “further education”, “higher education” and “vacation” for the purposes of paragraph (5).

Information N.I.

35C.—(1) Where it appears to an authority that a person—

(a) with whom it is under a duty to keep in touch under Article 34C, 34D or 35; or

(b) whom it has been advising and befriending under Article 35A; or

(c) to whom it has been giving assistance under Article 35B,

proposes to live, or is living, in the area of another authority, the authority must inform that other authority.

(2) Where a child who is accommodated—

(a) by a voluntary organisation or in a[F67 private] children's home; or

(b) as mentioned in Article 35(2)(d),

ceases to be so accommodated, after reaching the age of 16, the person providing the accommodation shall inform the authority within whose area the child proposes to live.

F67 2003 NI 9

[F68 Representations: Articles 34B to 35B N.I.

35D.— (1) Every authority shall establish a procedure for considering representations (including complaints) made to it by—

(a) a relevant child for the purposes of Article 34B or a young person falling within Article 34D;

(b) a person qualifying for advice and assistance; or

(c) a person falling within Article 35B(2),

about the discharge of its functions under this Part in relation to him.

(2) In considering representations under paragaph (1), an authority shall comply with regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this paragraph.]

F68 2002 c. 11 (NI)

Arts. 36, 37 rep. by 2002 c. 11 (NI)

Contributions towards maintenance of children looked after by an authority N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

38.  In Articles 39 to 43—

• “contribution notice” has the meaning given in Article 40(1);

• “contribution order” has the meaning given in Article 41(2);

• “contributor” has the meaning given in Article 39(1).

Liability to contribute N.I.

39.—(1) Where an authority is looking after a child (other than in the cases mentioned in paragraph (7)), the authority shall consider whether it should recover contributions towards the child's maintenance from any person liable to contribute (a “contributor”).

(2) An authority may only recover contributions from a contributor if the authority considers it reasonable to do so.

(3) The persons liable to contribute are—

(a) where the child is under 16, each of his parents;

(b) where he has reached the age of 16, the child himself.

(4) A person shall not be liable to contribute during any period when he is in receipt of income support,[F69 of any element of child tax credit other than the family element, of working tax credit][F70 or of an income-based jobseeker's allowance].

(5) A person shall not be liable to contribute towards the maintenance of a child in the care of an authority in respect of any period during which the child is allowed by the authority (under Article 27(5)) to live with a parent of his.

(6) A contributor shall not be obliged to make any contribution towards a child's maintenance except as agreed or determined in accordance with Articles 40 to 43.

(7) The cases referred to in paragraph (1) are where the child is looked after by an authority under—

(a) Article 23;

(b) an interim care order.

F69 2002 c. 21

F70 1995 NI 15

Agreed contributions N.I.

40.—(1) Contributions towards a child's maintenance may only be recovered if the authority has served a notice (a “contribution notice”) on the contributor specifying—

(a) the weekly sum which the authority considers that he should contribute; and

(b) arrangements for payment.

(2) The contribution notice must be in writing and dated.

(3) Arrangements for payment shall, in particular, include—

(a) the date on which liability to contribute begins (which must not be earlier than the date of the notice);

(b) the date on which liability under the notice will end (if the child has not before that date ceased to be looked after by the authority); and

(c) the date on which the first payment is to be made.

(4) The authority may specify in a contribution notice a weekly sum which is a standard contribution determined by the authority for all children looked after by it.

(5) The authority shall not specify in a contribution notice a weekly sum greater than that which the authority considers—

(a) it would normally be prepared to pay if it had placed a similar child with authority foster parents; and

(b) it is reasonably practicable for the contributor to pay (having regard to his means).

(6) An authority may at any time withdraw a contribution notice (without prejudice to the authority's power to serve another).

(7) Where the authority and the contributor agree—

(a) the sum which the contributor is to contribute; and

(b) arrangements for payment,

(whether as specified in the contribution notice or otherwise) and the contributor notifies the authority in writing that he so agrees, the authority may recover summarily as a civil debt any contribution which is overdue and unpaid.

(8) A contributor may, by serving a notice in writing on the authority, withdraw his agreement in relation to any period of liability falling after the date of service of the notice.

(9) Paragraph (7) is without prejudice to any other method of recovery.

Contribution orders N.I.

41.—(1) Where a contributor has been served with a contribution notice and has—

(a) failed to reach any agreement with the authority as mentioned in Article 40(7) within the period of one month beginning with the day on which the contribution notice was served; or

(b) served a notice under Article 40(8) withdrawing his agreement,

the authority may apply to the court for an order under this Article.

(2) On such an application the court may make an order (a “contribution order”) requiring the contributor to contribute a weekly sum towards the child's maintenance in accordance with arrangements for payment specified by the court.

(3) A contribution order—

(a) shall not specify a weekly sum greater than that specified in the contribution notice; and

(b) shall be made with due regard to the contributor's means.

(4) A contribution order shall not—

(a) take effect before the date specified in the contribution notice; or

(b) have effect while the contributor is not liable to contribute (by virtue of Article 39); or

(c) remain in force after the child has ceased to be looked after by the authority which obtained the order.

(5) An authority shall not apply to the court under paragraph (1) in relation to a contribution notice which the authority has withdrawn.

(6) Where—

(a) a contribution order is in force;

(b) the authority serves another contribution notice; and

(c) the contributor and the authority reach an agreement under Article 40(7) in respect of that other contribution notice,

the effect of the agreement shall be to discharge the order from the date on which it is agreed that the agreement shall take effect.

(7) Where an agreement is reached under paragraph (6) the authority shall notify the court—

(a) of the agreement; and

(b) of the date on which it took effect.

(8) A contribution order may be varied or revoked on the application of the contributor or the authority.

(9) In proceedings for the variation of a contribution order, the authority shall specify—

(a) the weekly sum which, having regard to Article 40, the authority proposes that the contributor should contribute under the order as varied; and

(b) the proposed arrangements for payment.

(10) Where a contribution order is varied, the order—

(a) shall not specify a weekly sum greater than that specified by the authority in the proceedings for variation; and

(b) shall be made with due regard to the contributor's means.

(11) An appeal shall lie in accordance with rules of court from any order made under this Article.

Enforcement of contribution orders, etc. N.I.

42.—(1) A contribution order shall be an order to which Article 98(11) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981F71 applies.

(2) Where a contributor has agreed, or has been ordered, to make contributions to an authority, any other authority within whose area the contributor is for the time being living may—

(a) at the request of the authority which served the contribution notice; and

(b) subject to agreement as to any sum to be deducted in respect of services rendered,

collect from the contributor any contributions due on behalf of the authority which served the notice.

(3) The power to collect sums under paragraph (2) includes power to—

(a) receive and give a discharge from any contributions due; and

(b) (if necessary) enforce payment of any contributions,

even though those contributions may have fallen due at a time when the contributor was living elsewhere.

(4) Any contribution collected under paragraph (2) shall be paid (subject to any agreed deduction) to the authority which served the contribution notice.

(5) In any proceedings under this Article, a document which purports to be—

(a) a copy of an order made by a court under Article 41; and

(b) certified as a true copy by the clerk of the court,

shall be evidence of the order.

(6) In any proceedings under this Article, a certificate which—

(a) purports to be signed by an authorised officer of the authority which obtained the contribution order; and

(b) states that any sum due to the authority under the order is overdue and unpaid,

shall be evidence that the sum is overdue and unpaid.

F71 1981 NI 26

Regulations N.I.

43.  The Department may make regulations—

(a) as to the considerations which an authority must take into account in deciding—

(i) whether it is reasonable to recover contributions; and

(ii) what the arrangements for payment should be;

(b) as to the procedures which an authority must follow in reaching agreements with—

(i) contributors (under Articles 40 and 41); and

(ii) any other authority (under Article 42).

Miscellaneous N.I.

Secure accommodation N.I.

44.—(1) In this Article “secure accommodation” means accommodation provided for the purpose of restricting liberty.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (10), a child who is being looked after by an authority may not be placed, and, if placed, may not be kept, in secure accommodation unless it appears—

(a) that—

(i) he has a history of absconding and is likely to abscond from any other description of accommodation; and

(ii) if he absconds, he is likely to suffer significant harm; or

(b) that if he is kept in any other description of accommodation he is likely to injure himself or other persons.

(3) The Department may by regulations—

(a) specify a maximum period—

(i) beyond which a child may not be kept in secure accommodation without the authority of the court; and

(ii) for which the court may authorise a child to be kept in secure accommodation;

(b) empower the court to authorise a child to be kept in secure accommodation for such further period as the regulations may specify; and

(c) provide that an application to the court under this Article shall be made only by an authority.

(4) A court hearing an application under this Article shall determine whether any relevant criteria for keeping a child in secure accommodation are satisfied in his case.

(5) If a court determines that any such criteria are satisfied, it shall make an order authorising the child to be kept in secure accommodation and specifying the maximum period for which he may be so kept.

(6) On any adjournment of the hearing of an application under this Article, a court may make an interim order permitting the child to be kept during the period of the adjournment in secure accommodation.

(7) No court shall exercise the powers conferred by this Article in respect of a child who is not legally represented in that court unless, having been informed of his right to apply forF72 legal aid and having had the opportunity to do so, he refused or failed to apply.

(8) The Department may by regulations provide that—

(a) this Article shall or shall not apply to any description of children specified in the regulations;

(b) this Article shall have effect in relation to children of a description specified in the regulations subject to such modifications as may be so specified;

(c) such other provisions as may be so specified shall have effect for the purpose of determining whether a child of a description specified in the regulations may be placed or kept in secure accommodation.

(9) The giving of an authorisation under this Article shall not prejudice any power of any court to give directions relating to the child to whom the authorisation relates.

(10) This Article is subject to Article 22(2) (power of person with parental responsibility to remove child from accommodation provided by or on behalf of an authority).

F72 prosp. subst. by 2003 NI 10

Reviews and representations N.I.

45.—(1) The Department may make regulations requiring the case of each child who is being looked after by an authority to be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) as to the manner in which each case is to be reviewed;

(b) as to the considerations to which the authority is to have regard in reviewing each case;

(c) as to the time when each case is first to be reviewed and the frequency of subsequent reviews;

(d) requiring the authority, before conducting any review, to seek the views of—

(i) the child;

(ii) his parents;

(iii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(iv) any other person whose views the authority considers to be relevant,

including, in particular, the views of those persons in relation to any particular matter which is to be considered in the course of the review;

(e) requiring the authority to consider, in the case of a child who is in the care of the authority, whether an application should be made to discharge the care order;

(f) requiring the authority to consider, in the case of a child in accommodation provided by the authority, whether the accommodation accords with the requirements of this Part;

(g) requiring the authority to inform the child, so far as is reasonably practicable, of any steps he may take under this Order;

(h) requiring the authority to make arrangements, including arrangements with such other bodies providing services as it considers appropriate, to implement any decision which it proposes to make in the course, or as a result, of the review;

(i) requiring the authority to notify details of the result of the review and of any decision taken by the authority in consequence of the review to—

(i) the child;

(ii) his parents;

(iii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(iv) any other person who the authority considers ought to be notified;

(j) requiring the authority to monitor the arrangements which it has made with a view to ensuring that they comply with the regulations.

(3) Every authority shall establish a procedure for considering any representations (including any complaint) made to it by—

(a) any child who is being looked after by the authority or who is not being looked after by the authority but is in need;

(b) a parent of his;

(c) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

(d) any authority foster parent;

(e) such other person as the authority considers has a sufficient interest in the child's welfare to warrant his representations being considered by the authority,

about the discharge of any of the authority's functions under this Part in relation to the child.

(4) The procedure shall ensure that at least one person who is not a member or officer of the authority takes part in—

(a) the consideration of representations under this Article; and

(b) any discussions which are held by the authority about the action (if any) to be taken in relation to the child in the light of those representations;

and the authority may pay him such fee and reasonable expenses as the Department considers appropriate.

(5) In carrying out any consideration of representations under this Article an authority shall comply with any regulations made by the Department for the purpose of regulating the procedure to be followed.

(6) The Department may make regulations requiring an authority to monitor the arrangements that it has made with a view to ensuring that they comply with any regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (5).

(7) Where any representation has been considered under the procedure established by an authority under this Article, the authority shall—

(a) have due regard to the findings of those considering the representation; and

(b) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to notify (in writing)—

(i) the person making the representation;

(ii) the child (if the authority considers that he has sufficient understanding); and

(iii) such other persons (if any) as appear to the authority to be likely to be affected,

of the authority's decision in the matter and the authority's reasons for taking that decision and of any action which the authority has taken, or proposes to take.

(8) Every authority shall give such publicity to its procedure for considering representations under this Article as the authority considers appropriate.

Co-operation between authorities and other bodies N.I.

46.—(1) Where it appears to an authority that any body mentioned in paragraph (3) could, by taking any specified action, help in the exercise of any of the authority's functions under this Part, the authority may request the help of that body, specifying the action.

(2) A body whose help is so requested shall comply with the request if it is compatible with that body's own statutory or other duties and obligations and does not unduly prejudice the discharge of any of its functions.

(3) The bodies are—

(a) any Board;

(b) any education and library board;

(c) any Health and Social Services trust or special agency;

(d) any district council;

(e) the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; and

(f) such other persons as the Department may direct for the purposes of this Article.

(4) [F73 Except where paragraph (4A) applies,] where an authority complies with a request under paragraph (2) in relation to a child or other person who is ordinarily resident within the area of another authority, the first authority may recover any reasonable expenses incurred by it in respect of that child or person from the other authority.

[F73 (4A) Where an authority ("authority A") complies with any request under Article 46(2) from another authority ("authority B") in relation to a child or other person—

(a) whose responsible authority is authority B for the purposes of Article 34C or 34D; or

(b) whom authority B is advising or befriending or to whom it is giving assistance by virtue of Article 35(5)(a),

authority A may recover from authority B any reasonable expenses incurred by it in respect of that person.]

Para.(5) rep. by 1996 NI 1

F73 2002 c. 11 (NI)

Consultation with education and library boards N.I.

47.—(1) Where—

(a) a child is being looked after by an authority; and

(b) the authority proposes to provide accommodation for him in an establishment at which education is provided for children who are accommodated there,

the authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult the appropriate education and library board before doing so.

(2) Where any such proposal is carried out, the authority shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, inform the appropriate education and library board of the arrangements that have been made for the child's accommodation.

(3) Where the child ceases to be accommodated as mentioned in paragraph (1)(b), the authority shall inform the appropriate education and library board.

(4) In this Article “the appropriate education and library board” means—

(a) the education and library board within whose area the establishment is; or

(b) in the case of a child who has special educational needs a statement of which is maintained under the Education[F74 (Northern Ireland) Order 1996], the education and library board which maintains the statement.

F74 1996 NI 1

Miscellaneous N.I.

48.—(1) Nothing in this Part shall affect any duty imposed on an authority by or under any other statutory provision.

(2) Any question arising under Article 21(2), 23(3), 24(6) or 46(4) as to the ordinary residence of a child shall be determined by agreement between the authorities concerned or, in default of agreement, by the Department.

PART V N.I. CARE AND SUPERVISION

Introductory N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

49.—(1) In this Order—

• “care order” means (subject to Article 2(2))—

  (a)

  an order under Article 50(1)(a); and

  (b)

  an interim care order under Article 57;

• “supervision order” means—

  (a)

  an order under Article 50(1)(b); and

  (b)

  an interim supervision order under Article 57;

• “education supervision order” means an order under Article 55(1).

(2) In this Part “authorised person” means—

(a) the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and any of its officers; and

(b) any person authorised by order of the Department to bring proceedings under Article 50 and any officer of a body which is so authorised.

General N.I.

Care orders and supervision orders N.I.

50.—(1) On the application of any authority or authorised person, the court may make an order—

(a) placing the child with respect to whom the application is made in the care of a designated authority; or

(b) putting him under the supervision of a designated authority.

(2) A court may only make a care or a supervision order if it is satisfied—

(a) that the child concerned is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm; and

(b) that the harm, or likelihood of harm, is attributable to—

(i) the care given to the child, or likely to be given to him if the order were not made, not being what it would be reasonable to expect a parent to give to him; or

(ii) the child's being beyond parental control.

(3) Where the question of whether harm suffered by a child is significant turns on the child's health or development, his health or development shall be compared with that which could reasonably be expected of a similar child.

(4) No care order or supervision order may be made with respect to a child who has reached the age of 17 (or 16, in the case of a child who is[F75 married or a civil partner)].

(5) An application under this Article may be made on its own or in any other family proceedings.

(6) The court may—

(a) on an application for a care order, make a supervision order;

(b) on an application for a supervision order, make a care order.

(7) Where an authorised person proposes to make an application under this Article he shall—

(a) if it is reasonably practicable to do so; and

(b) before making the application,

consult the authority appearing to him to be the authority in whose area the child concerned is ordinarily resident.

(8) An application made by an authorised person shall not be entertained by the court if, at the time when it is made, the child concerned is—

(a) the subject of an earlier application for a care or a supervision order, which has not been disposed of; or

(b) subject to—

(i) a care or a supervision order; or

(ii) a probation orderF76 . . . .

(9) The authority designated in a care order must be—

(a) the authority within whose area the child is ordinarily resident; or

(b) where the child does not reside in the area of an authority, the authority within whose area any circumstances arose in consequence of which the order is being made.

F75 2004 c.33

F76 1998 NI 9

Timetable for proceedings N.I.

51.—(1) A court hearing an application for an order under this Part shall (in the light of any rules made by virtue of paragraph (2))—

(a) draw up a timetable with a view to disposing of the application without delay; and

(b) give such directions as it considers appropriate for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that that timetable is adhered to.

(2) Rules of court may—

(a) specify periods within which specified steps must be taken in relation to such proceedings; and

(b) make other provision with respect to such proceedings for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that they are disposed of without delay.

Care orders N.I.

Effect of care order N.I.

52.—(1) Where a care order is made with respect to a child the authority designated by the order shall receive him into its care and keep him in its care while the order remains in force.

(2) Where—

(a) a care order has been made with respect to a child on the application of an authorised person; but

(b) the authority designated by the order was not informed that that person proposed to make the application,

the child may be kept in the care of that person until received into the care of the authority.

(3) While a care order is in force with respect to a child, the authority designated by the order shall—

(a) have parental responsibility for the child; and

(b) have the power (subject to paragraphs (4) to (9)) to determine the extent to which a parent or guardian of the child may meet his parental responsibility for the child.

(4) The authority shall not exercise the power in paragraph (3)(b) unless it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard or promote the child's welfare.

(5) Nothing in paragraph (3)(b) shall prevent a parent or guardian of the child who has care of him from doing what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting his welfare.

(6) While a care order is in force with respect to a child, the authority designated by the order shall not—

(a) cause the child to be brought up in any religious persuasion other than that in which he would have been brought up if the order had not been made; or

(b) have the right—

(i) to consent or refuse to consent to the making of an application with respect to the child under Article 17 of the Adoption Order;

(ii) to agree or refuse to agree to the making of an adoption order, or an order under Article 57 of that Order, with respect to the child; or

(iii) to appoint a guardian for the child.

(7) While a care order is in force with respect to a child, no person may—

(a) cause the child to be known by a new surname; or

(b) remove him from the United Kingdom,

without either the written consent of every person who has parental responsibility for the child or the leave of the court.

(8) Paragraph (7)(b) does not—

(a) prevent the removal of such a child, for a period of less than one month, by, or with the written consent of, the authority in whose care he is; or

(b) apply to arrangements for such a child to live outside Northern Ireland (which are governed by Article 33).

(9) The power in paragraph (3)(b) is subject (in addition to being subject to the provisions of this Article) to any right, duty, power, responsibility or authority which a parent or guardian of the child has in relation to the child and his property by virtue of any other statutory provision.

Parental contact etc. with children in care N.I.

53.—(1) Where a child is in the care of an authority, the authority shall (subject to the provisions of this Article) allow the child reasonable contact with—

(a) his parents;

(b) any guardian of his;

(c) where there was a residence order in force with respect to the child immediately before the care order was made, the person in whose favour the residence order was made; and

(d) where, immediately before the care order was made, a person had care of the child by virtue of an order made in the exercise of the High Court's inherent jurisdiction with respect to children, that person.

(2) On an application made by the authority or the child, the court may make such order as it considers appropriate with respect to the contact which is to be allowed between the child and any named person.

(3) On an application made by—

(a) any person mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (1); or

(b) any person who has obtained the leave of the court to make the application,

the court may make such order as it considers appropriate with respect to the contact which is to be allowed between the child and that person.

(4) On an application made by the authority or the child, the court may make an order authorising the authority to refuse to allow contact between the child and any person who is mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (1) and named in the order.

(5) When making a care order with respect to a child, or in any family proceedings in connection with a child who is in the care of an authority, the court may make an order under this Article, even though no application for such an order has been made with respect to the child, if the court considers that the order should be made.

(6) An authority may refuse to allow the contact that would otherwise be required by virtue of paragraph (1) or an order under this Article if—

(a) the authority is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard or promote the child's welfare; and

(b) the refusal—

(i) is decided upon as a matter of urgency; and

(ii) does not last for more than seven days.

(7) An order under this Article may impose such conditions as the court considers appropriate.

(8) The Department may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the steps to be taken by an authority which has exercised its powers under paragraph (6);

(b) the circumstances in which, and conditions subject to which, the terms of any order under this Article may be departed from by agreement between the authority and the person in relation to whom the order is made;

(c) notification by an authority of any variation or suspension of arrangements made (otherwise than under an order under this Article) with a view to affording any person contact with a child to whom this Article applies.

(9) The court may vary or discharge any order made under this Article on the application of the authority, the child concerned or the person named in the order.

(10) An order under this Article may be made either at the same time as the care order itself or later.

(11) Before making a care order with respect to any child the court shall—

(a) consider the arrangements which the authority has made, or proposes to make, for affording any person contact with a child to whom this Article applies; and

(b) invite the parties to the proceedings to comment on those arrangements.

Supervision orders N.I.

Supervision orders N.I.

54.—(1) While a supervision order is in force the supervisor shall—

(a) advise, assist and befriend the supervised child;

(b) take such steps as are reasonably necessary to give effect to the order; and

(c) where—

(i) the order is not wholly complied with; or

(ii) the supervisor considers that the order may no longer be necessary,

consider whether or not to apply to the court for its variation or discharge.

(2) Schedule 3 (which makes further provision with respect to supervision orders) shall have effect.

Education supervision orders N.I.

Education supervision orders N.I.

55.—(1) On the application of any education and library board, the court may make an order putting the child with respect to whom the application is made under the supervision of a designated education and library board ( “an education supervision order”).

(2) A court may only make an education supervision order if it is satisfied that the child concerned is of compulsory school age and is not being properly educated.

(3) For the purposes of this Article, a child is being properly educated only if he is receiving efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have.

(4) Where a child is—

(a) the subject of a school attendance order which is in force under Part I of Schedule 13 to the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F77 and which has not been complied with; or

(b) a registered pupil at a school which he is not attending regularly within the meaning of Part II of that Schedule,

then, unless it is proved that he is being properly educated, it shall be assumed that he is not.

(5) An education supervision order may not be made with respect to a child who is in the care of an authority.

(6) The education and library board designated in an education supervision order must be—

(a) the education and library board within whose area the child concerned is living or will live; or

(b) where—

(i) the child is a registered pupil at a school; and

(ii) the education and library board mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) and the education and library board within whose area the school is situated agree,

the latter board.

(7) Where an education and library board proposes to make an application for an education supervision order it shall, before making the application, consult—

(a) in the case of a child who is being provided with accommodation by, or on behalf of, an authority, that authority; and

(b) in any other case, the authority within whose area the child concerned lives, or will live.

(8) Schedule 4 (which makes further provision with respect to education supervision orders) shall have effect.

F77 1986 NI 3

Powers of court N.I.

Investigation into child's circumstances N.I.

56.—(1) Where, in any family proceedings in which a question arises with respect to the welfare of any child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care or a supervision order to be made with respect to him, the court may direct the appropriate authority to undertake an investigation of the child's circumstances.

(2) Where the court gives a direction under this Article the authority concerned shall, when undertaking the investigation, consider whether it should—

(a) apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child;

(b) provide services or assistance for the child or his family; or

(c) take any other action with respect to the child.

(3) Where an authority undertakes an investigation under this Article, and decides not to apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child concerned, the authority shall inform the court of—

(a) its reasons for so deciding;

(b) any service or assistance which the authority has provided, or intends to provide, for the child and his family; and

(c) any other action which the authority has taken, or proposes to take, with respect to the child.

(4) The information shall be given to the court before the end of the period of eight weeks beginning with the date of the direction, unless the court otherwise directs.

(5) The authority named in a direction under paragraph (1) must be—

(a) the authority in whose area the child is ordinarily resident; or

(b) where the child is not ordinarily resident in the area of an authority, the authority within whose area any circumstances arose in consequence of which the direction is being given.

(6) If, on the conclusion of any investigation or review under this Article, the authority decides not to apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child—

(a) the authority shall consider whether it would be appropriate to review the case at a later date; and

(b) if the authority decides that it would be, the authority shall determine the date on which that review is to begin.

Interim orders N.I.

57.—(1) Where—

(a) in any proceedings on an application for a care or a supervision order, the proceedings are adjourned; or

(b) the court gives a direction under Article 56(1),

the court may make an interim care order or an interim supervision order with respect to the child concerned.

(2) A court shall not make an interim care order or interim supervision order under this Article unless it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the circumstances with respect to the child are as mentioned in Article 50(2).

(3) Where, in any proceedings on an application for a care or a supervision order, a court makes a residence order with respect to the child concerned, it shall also make an interim supervision order with respect to him unless it is satisfied that his welfare will be satisfactorily safeguarded without an interim supervision order being made.

(4) An interim order made under this Article shall have effect for such period as may be specified in the order, but shall in any event cease to have effect on whichever of the following first occurs—

(a) the expiry of the period of eight weeks beginning with the date on which the order is made;

(b) if the order is the second or subsequent such order made with respect to the same child in the same proceedings, the expiry of the relevant period;

(c) in a case which falls within paragraph (1)(a), the disposal of the application;

(d) in a case which falls within paragraph (1)(b), the disposal of an application for a care or a supervision order made by the authority with respect to the child;

(e) in a case which falls within paragraph (1)(b) and in which—

(i) the court has given a direction under Article 56(4), but

(ii) no application for a care or a supervision order has been made with respect to the child,

the expiry of the period fixed by that direction.

(5) In paragraph (4)(b) “the relevant period” means—

(a) the period of four weeks beginning with the date on which the order in question is made; or

(b) the period of eight weeks beginning with the date on which the first order was made if that period ends later than the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (a).

(6) Where the court makes an interim care order or interim supervision order, it may give such directions (if any) as it considers appropriate with regard to the medical or psychiatric examination or other assessment of the child; but if the child is of sufficient understanding to make an informed decision he may refuse to submit to the examination or other assessment.

(7) A direction under paragraph (6) may be to the effect that there is to be—

(a) no such examination or assessment; or

(b) no such examination or assessment unless the court directs otherwise.

(8) A direction under paragraph (6) may be—

(a) given when the interim order is made or at any time while it is in force; and

(b) varied at any time on the application of any person falling within any class of person prescribed by rules of court for the purposes of this paragraph.

(9) Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 3 shall not apply in relation to an interim supervision order.

(10) Where a court makes an order under this Article it shall, in determining the period for which the order is to be in force, consider whether any party who was, or might have been, opposed to the making of the order was in a position to argue his case against the order in full.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Art. 57 modified (1.11.2012) by Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (International Obligations) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1898), regs. 1(2), 6(2)

[F78 Power to include exclusion requirement in interim care order N.I.

57A.— (1) Where—

(a) on being satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the circumstances with respect to a child are as mentioned in Article 50(2)(a) and (b)(i), the court makes an interim care order with respect to a child, and

(b) the conditions mentioned in paragraph (2) are satisfied,

the court may include an exclusion requirement in the interim care order.

(2) The conditions are—

(a) that there is reasonable cause to believe that, if a person ( “the relevant person”) is excluded from a dwelling-house in which the child lives, the child will cease to suffer, or cease to be likely to suffer, significant harm, and

(b) that another person (whether a parent of the child or some other person)—

(i) is able and willing to live (or continue to live) in the dwelling-house and give to the child the care which it would be reasonable to expect a parent to give him, and

(ii) consents to the inclusion of the exclusion requirement.

(3) For the purposes of this Article an exclusion requirement is any one or more of the following—

(a) a provision requiring the relevant person to leave a dwelling-house in which he is living with the child,

(b) a provision prohibiting the relevant person from entering a dwelling-house in which the child lives, and

(c) a provision excluding the relevant person from a defined area in which a dwelling-house in which the child lives is situated and any other defined area.

(4) The court may provide that the exclusion requirement is to have effect for a shorter period than the other provisions of the interim care order.

(5) Any period specified for the purposes of paragraph (4) may be extended by the court (on one or more occasions) on an application to vary or discharge the interim care order.

(6) If, while an interim care order containing an exclusion requirement is in force, the authority has removed the child from the dwelling-house from which the relevant person is excluded to other accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, the interim care order shall cease to have effect in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement.]

F78 1998 NI 6

Discharge and variation, etc., of care orders and supervision orders N.I.

58.—(1) A care order may be discharged by the court on the application of—

(a) any person who has parental responsibility for the child;

(b) the child himself; or

(c) the authority designated by the order.

(2) A supervision order may be varied or discharged by the court on the application of—

(a) any person who has parental responsibility for the child;

(b) the child himself; or

(c) the supervisor.

(3) On the application of a person who is not entitled to apply for the order to be discharged, but who is a person with whom the child is living, a supervision order may be varied by the court in so far as it imposes a requirement which affects that person.

[F79 (3A) On the application of a person who is not entitled to apply for the order to be discharged, but who is a person to whom an exclusion requirement contained in the order applies, an interim care order may be varied or discharged by the court in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement.]

(4) Where a care order is in force with respect to a child the court may, on the application of any person entitled to apply for the order to be discharged, substitute a supervision order for the care order.

(5) When a court is considering whether to substitute one order for another under paragraph (4) any provision of this Order which would otherwise require Article 50(2) to be satisfied at the time when the proposed order is substituted or made shall be disregarded.

F79 1998 NI 6

Orders pending appeals in cases about care or supervision orders N.I.

59.—(1) Where—

(a) a court dismisses an application for a care order; and

(b) at the time when the court dismisses the application, the child concerned is the subject of an interim care order,

the court may make a care order with respect to the child to have effect subject to such directions (if any) as the court may see fit to include in the order.

(2) Where—

(a) a court dismisses an application for a care order, or an application for a supervision order; and

(b) at the time when the court dismisses the application, the child concerned is the subject of an interim supervision order,

the court may make a supervision order with respect to the child to have effect subject to such directions (if any) as the court may see fit to include in the order.

(3) Where a court grants an application to discharge a care or a supervision order, it may order that—

(a) its decision is not to have effect; or

(b) the care order, or supervision order, is to continue to have effect but subject to such directions as the court sees fit to include in the order.

(4) An order made under this Article shall only have effect for such period, not exceeding the appeal period, as may be specified in the order.

(5) Where—

(a) an appeal is made against any decision of a court under this Article; or

(b) any application is made to the appellate court in connection with a proposed appeal against that decision,

the appellate court may extend the period for which the order in question is to have effect, but not so as to extend it beyond the end of the appeal period.

(6) In this Article “the appeal period” means—

(a) where an appeal is made against the decision in question, the period between the making of that decision and the determination of the appeal; and

(b) otherwise, the period during which an appeal may be made against the decision.

Guardians ad litem N.I.

Representation of child and of his interests in certain proceedings N.I.

60.—(1) For the purpose of any specified proceedings, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the child concerned unless satisfied that it is not necessary to do so in order to safeguard his interests.

(2) The guardian ad litem shall—

(a) be appointed in accordance with rules of court; and

(b) be under a duty to safeguard the interests of the child in the manner prescribed by such rules.

(3) Where—

(a) the child concerned is not represented by a solicitor; and

(b) any of the conditions mentioned in paragraph (4) is satisfied,

the court may appoint a solicitor to represent him.

(4) The conditions are that—

(a) no guardian ad litem has been appointed for the child;

(b) the child has sufficient understanding to instruct a solicitor and wishes to do so;

(c) it appears to the court that it would be in the child's best interests for him to be represented by a solicitor.

(5) Any solicitor appointed under this Article shall be appointed, and shall represent the child, in accordance with rules of court.

(6) In this Article “specified proceedings” means any proceedings—

(a) on an application for a care or a supervision order;

(b) in which the court has given a direction under Article 56(1) and has made, or is considering whether to make, an interim care order;

(c) on an application for the discharge of a care order or the variation or discharge of a supervision order;

(d) on an application under Article 58(4);

(e) in which the court is considering whether to make a residence order with respect to a child who is the subject of a care order;

(f) with respect to contact between a child who is the subject of a care order and any other person;

(g) under Part VI;

(h) on an appeal against—

(i) the making of, or refusal to make, a care order, supervision order or any order under Article 53;

(ii) the making of, or refusal to make, a residence order with respect to a child who is the subject of a care order; or

(iii) the variation or discharge, or refusal of an application to vary or discharge, an order of a kind mentioned in head (i) or (ii);

(iv) the refusal of an application under Article 58(4); or

(v) the making of, or refusal to make, an order under Part VI; or

(i) which are specified, for the purposes of this Article, by rules of court.

(7) The Department may by regulations provide for the establishment of panels of persons from whom guardians ad litem appointed under this Article must be selected.

(8) Paragraph (7) shall not be taken to prejudice the power of theF80 Lord Chancellor to confer or impose duties on the Official Solicitor under section 75(2) of the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978F81 .

(9) The regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for the constitution, administration and procedures of panels and for the appointment of panel managers;

(b) for the defrayment of expenses and for the payment of fees and allowances;

(c) as to the qualifications for appointment as a guardian ad litem;

(d) as to the training to be given to guardians ad litem or to persons with a view to their appointment as guardians ad litem; and

(e) for monitoring the work of guardians ad litem.

(10) Rules of court may make provision as to—

(a) the assistance which any guardian ad litem may be required by the court to give to it;

(b) the consideration to be given by any guardian ad litem, where an order of a specified kind has been made in the proceedings in question, as to whether to apply for the variation or discharge of the order;

(c) the participation of guardians ad litem in reviews, of a kind specified in the rules, which are conducted by the court.

(11) Regardless of any statutory provision or rule of law which would otherwise prevent it from doing so, the court may take account of—

(a) any statement contained in a report made by a guardian ad litem who is appointed under this Article for the purpose of the proceedings in question; and

(b) any evidence given in respect of the matters referred to in the report,

in so far as the statement or evidence is, in the opinion of the court, relevant to the question which the court is considering.

(12) The Department may, with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel, make such grants as the Department considers appropriate with respect to expenditure incurred under regulations made under paragraph (7).

F80 prosp. subst. by 2005 c. 4

F81 1978 c. 23

Right of guardian ad litem to have access to records N.I.

61.—(1) Where a person has been appointed as a guardian ad litem under this Order he shall have the right at all reasonable times to examine and take copies of—

(a) any records of, or held by, an authority or an authorised person which were compiled in connection with the making, or proposed making, by any person of any application under this Order with respect to the child concerned;

(b) any records of, or held by, an authority which were compiled in connection with any relevant functions, so far as those records relate to that child; or

(c) any records of, or held by, an authorised person which were compiled in connection with the activities of that person, so far as those records relate to that child.

(2) In paragraph (1) “relevant functions” means personal social services functions (including functions exercisable on behalf of the Department by virtue of directions under Article 17(1) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972)F82 .

(3) Where a guardian ad litem takes a copy of any record which he is entitled to examine under this Article, that copy or any part of it shall be admissible as evidence of any matter referred to in any—

(a) report which he makes to the court in the proceedings in question; or

(b) evidence which he gives in those proceedings.

(4) Paragraph (3) has effect regardless of any statutory provision or rule of law which would otherwise prevent the record in question being admissible in evidence.

F82 1972 NI 14

PART VI N.I. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Child assessment orders N.I.

62.—(1) On the application of an authority or an authorised person for an order to be made under this Article with respect to a child, the court may make the order if, but only if, it is satisfied that—

(a) the applicant has reasonable cause to suspect that the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm;

(b) an assessment of the state of the child's health or development, or of the way in which he has been treated, is required to enable the applicant to determine whether or not the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm; and

(c) it is unlikely that such an assessment will be made, or be satisfactory, in the absence of an order under this Article.

(2) In this Order “child assessment order” means an order under this Article.

(3) A court may treat an application under this Article as an application for an emergency protection order.

(4) No court shall make a child assessment order if it is satisfied—

(a) that there are grounds for making an emergency protection order with respect to the child; and

(b) that it ought to make such an order rather than a child assessment order.

(5) A child assessment order shall—

(a) specify the date by which the assessment is to begin; and

(b) have effect for such period, not exceeding seven days beginning with that date, as may be specified in the order.

(6) Where a child assessment order is in force with respect to a child it shall be the duty of any person who is in a position to produce the child—

(a) to produce him to such person as may be named in the order; and

(b) to comply with such directions relating to the assessment of the child as the court thinks fit to specify in the order.

(7) A child assessment order authorises any person carrying out the assessment, or any part of the assessment, to do so in accordance with the terms of the order.

(8) Regardless of paragraph (7), if the child is of sufficient understanding to make an informed decision he may refuse to submit to a medical or psychiatric examination or other assessment.

(9) The child may only be kept away from home—

(a) in accordance with directions specified in the order;

(b) if it is necessary for the purposes of the assessment; and

(c) for such period or periods as may be specified in the order.

(10) Where the child is to be kept away from home, the order shall contain such directions as the court thinks fit with regard to the contact that he must be allowed to have with other persons while away from home.

(11) Any person making an application for a child assessment order shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that notice of the application is given to—

(a) the child's parents;

(b) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

(c) any other person caring for the child;

(d) any person in whose favour a contact order is in force with respect to the child;

(e) any person who is allowed to have contact with the child by virtue of an order under Article 53; and

(f) the child,

before the hearing of the application.

(12) Rules of court may make provision as to the circumstances in which—

(a) any of the persons mentioned in paragraph (11); or

(b) such other person as may be specified in the rules,

may apply to the court for a child assessment order to be varied or discharged.

(13) In this Article “authorised person” means a person who is an authorised person for the purposes of Part V.

Orders for emergency protection of children N.I.

63.—(1) Where any person ( “the applicant”) applies to the court for an order to be made under this Article with respect to a child, the court may make the order if, but only if, it is satisfied that—

(a) there is reasonable cause to believe that the child is likely to suffer significant harm if—

(i) he is not removed to accommodation provided by or on behalf of the applicant; or

(ii) he does not remain in the place in which he is then being accommodated; or

(b) in the case of an application made by an authority—

(i) inquiries are being made with respect to the child under Article 66(1)(b); and

(ii) those inquiries are being frustrated by access to the child being unreasonably refused to a person authorised to seek access and the applicant has reasonable cause to believe that access to the child is required as a matter of urgency; or

(c) in the case of an application made by an authorised person—

(i) the applicant has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm;

(ii) the applicant is making inquiries with respect to the child's welfare; and

(iii) those inquiries are being frustrated by access to the child being unreasonably refused to a person authorised to seek access and the applicant has reasonable cause to believe that access to the child is required as a matter of urgency.

(2) In this Article—

(a) “authorised person” means a person who is an authorised person for the purposes of Part V; and

(b) “person authorised to seek access” means—

(i) in the case of an application by an authority, an officer of the authority or a person authorised by the authority to act on its behalf in connection with the inquiries; or

(ii) in the case of an application by an authorised person, that person.

(3) Any person—

(a) seeking access to a child in connection with inquiries of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1); and

(b) purporting to be a person authorised to do so,

shall, on being asked to do so, produce some duly authenticated document as evidence that he is such a person.

(4) While an order under this Article (an “emergency protection order”) is in force it—

(a) operates as a direction to any person who is in a position to do so to comply with any request to produce the child to the applicant;

(b) authorises—

(i) the removal of the child at any time to accommodation provided by or on behalf of the applicant and his being kept there; or

(ii) the prevention of the child's removal from any hospital, or other place, in which he was being accommodated immediately before the making of the order; and

(c) gives the applicant parental responsibility for the child.

(5) Where an emergency protection order is in force with respect to a child, the applicant—

(a) shall only exercise the power given by virtue of paragraph (4)(b) in order to safeguard the welfare of the child;

(b) shall take, and shall only take, such action in meeting his parental responsibility for the child as is reasonably required to safeguard or promote the welfare of the child (having regard in particular to the duration of the order); and

(c) shall comply with the requirements of any regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this paragraph.

(6) Where the court makes an emergency protection order, it may give such directions (if any) as it considers appropriate with respect to—

(a) the contact which is, or is not, to be allowed between the child and any named person;

(b) the medical or psychiatric examination or other assessment of the child.

(7) Where any direction is given under paragraph (6)(b), the child may, if he is of sufficient understanding to make an informed decision, refuse to submit to the examination or other assessment.

(8) A direction under paragraph (6)(a) may impose conditions and one under paragraph (6)(b) may be to the effect that there is to be—

(a) no such examination or assessment; or

(b) no such examination or assessment unless the court directs otherwise.

(9) A direction under paragraph (6) may be—

(a) given when the emergency protection order is made or at any time while it is in force; and

(b) varied at any time on the application of any person falling within any class of person prescribed by rules of court for the purposes of this paragraph.

(10) Where an emergency protection order is in force with respect to a child and—

(a) the applicant has exercised the power given by paragraph (4)(b)(i) but it appears to him that it is safe for the child to be returned; or

(b) the applicant has exercised the power given by paragraph (4)(b)(ii) but it appears to him that it is safe for the child to be allowed to be removed from the place in question,

he shall return the child or (as the case may be) allow him to be removed.

(11) Where he is required by paragraph (10) to return the child the applicant shall—

(a) return him to the care of the person from whose care he was removed; or

(b) if that is not reasonably practicable, return him to the care of—

(i) a parent of his;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) such other person as the applicant (with the agreement of the court) considers appropriate.

(12) Where the applicant has been required by paragraph (10) to return the child, or to allow him to be removed, he may again exercise his powers with respect to the child (at any time while the emergency protection order remains in force) if it appears to him that a change in the circumstances of the case makes it necessary for him to do so.

(13) Where an emergency protection order has been made with respect to a child, the applicant shall, subject to any direction given under paragraph (6), allow the child reasonable contact with—

(a) his parents;

(b) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him;

(c) any person with whom he was living immediately before the making of the order;

(d) any person in whose favour a contact order is in force with respect to him;

(e) any person who is allowed to have contact with the child by virtue of an order under Article 53; and

(f) any person acting on behalf of any of those persons.

(14) Wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so, an emergency protection order shall name the child; and where it does not name him it shall describe him as clearly as possible.

(15) A person shall be guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs any person exercising the power under paragraph (4)(b) to remove, or prevent the removal of, a child.

(16) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (15) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

[F83 Power to include exclusion requirement in emergency protection order N.I.

63A.— (1) Where—

(a) on being satisfied as mentioned in Article 63(1)(a), (b) or (c), the court makes an emergency protection order with respect to a child, and

(b) the conditions mentioned in paragraph (2) are satisfied,

the court may include an exclusion requirement in the emergency protection order.

(2) The conditions are—

(a) that there is reasonable cause to believe that, if a person ( “the relevant person”) is excluded from a dwelling-house in which the child lives, then—

(i) in the case of an order made on the ground mentioned in Article 63(1)(a), the child will not be likely to suffer significant harm, even though the child is not removed as mentioned in Article 63(1)(a)(i) or does not remain as mentioned in Article 63(1)(a)(ii), or

(ii) in the case of an order made on the ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of Article 63(1), the enquiries referred to in that sub-paragraph will cease to be frustrated, and

(b) that another person (whether a parent of the child or some other person)—

(i) is able and willing to live (or continue to live) in the dwelling-house and give to the child the care which it would be reasonable to expect a parent to give him, and

(ii) consents to the inclusion of the exclusion requirement.

(3) For the purposes of this Article an exclusion requirement is any one or more of the following—

(a) a provision requiring the relevant person to leave a dwelling-house in which he is living with the child,

(b) a provision prohibiting the relevant person from entering a dwelling-house in which the child lives, and

(c) a provision excluding the relevant person from a defined area in which a dwelling-house in which the child lives is situated and any other defined area.

(4) The court may provide that the exclusion requirement is to have effect for a shorter period than the other provisions of the order.

(5) Any period specified for the purposes of paragraph (4) may be extended by the court (on one or more occasions) on an application to vary or discharge the emergency protection order.

(6) If, while an emergency protection order containing an exclusion requirement is in force, the applicant has removed the child from the dwelling-house from which the relevant person is excluded to other accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, the order shall cease to have effect in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement.]

F83 1998 NI 6

Duration of emergency protection orders and other supplementary provisions N.I.

64.—(1) An emergency protection order shall have effect for such period, not exceeding eight days, as may be specified in the order.

(2) Where an emergency protection order is made with respect to a child who is being kept in police protection under Article 65, the period of eight days mentioned in paragraph (1) shall begin with the first day on which he was taken into police protection under that Article.

(3) Any person who—

(a) has parental responsibility for a child as the result of an emergency protection order; and

(b) is entitled to apply for a care order with respect to the child,

may apply to the court for the period during which the emergency protection order is to have effect to be extended.

(4) On an application under paragraph (3) the court may extend the period during which the order is to have effect by such period, not exceeding seven days, as it thinks fit, but may do so only if it has reasonable cause to believe that the child concerned is likely to suffer significant harm if the order is not extended.

(5) An emergency protection order may only be extended once.

(6) Regardless of any statutory provision or rule of law which would otherwise prevent it from doing so, a court hearing an application for, or with respect to, an emergency protection order may take account of—

(a) any statement contained in any report made to the court in the course of, or in connection with, the hearing; or

(b) any evidence given during the hearing,

which is, in the opinion of the court, relevant to the application.

(7) Any of the following may apply to the court for an emergency protection order to be discharged—

(a) the child;

(b) a parent of his;

(c) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(d) any person with whom he was living immediately before the making of the order.

[F84 (7A) On the application of a person who is not entitled to apply for the order to be discharged, but who is a person to whom an exclusion requirement contained in the order applies, an emergency protection order may be varied or discharged by the court in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement.]

(8) No application for the discharge of an emergency protection order shall be heard by the court before the expiry of the period of 72 hours beginning with the making of the order.

(9) No appeal may be made against—

(a) the making of, or refusal to make, an emergency protection order;

(b) the extension of, or refusal to extend, the period during which such an order is to have effect;

(c) the discharge of, or refusal to discharge, such an order; or

(d) the giving of, or refusal to give, any direction in connection with such an order.

(10) Paragraph (7) does not apply—

(a) where the person who would otherwise be entitled to apply for the emergency protection order to be discharged—

(i) was given notice (in accordance with rules of court) of the hearing at which the order was made; and

(ii) was present at that hearing; or

(b) to any emergency protection order the effective period of which has been extended under paragraph (4).

(11) A court making an emergency protection order may direct that the applicant may, in exercising any powers which he has by virtue of the order, be accompanied by a medical practitioner, registered nurse or registered health visitor, if he so chooses.

(12) An emergency protection order may, notwithstanding section 7 of the Sunday Observance Act (Ireland) 1695F85 , be served and executed on a Sunday.

F84 1998 NI 6

F85 1695 c. 17 (I)

Removal and accommodation of children by police in cases of emergency N.I.

65.—(1) Where a constable has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm, he may—

(a) remove the child to suitable accommodation and keep him there; or

(b) take such steps as are reasonable to ensure that the child's removal from any hospital, or other place, in which he is then being accommodated is prevented.

(2) For the purposes of this Order, a child with respect to whom a constable has exercised his powers under this Article is referred to as having been taken into police protection.

(3) As soon as is reasonably practicable after taking a child into police protection, the constable shall secure that the case is inquired into by a designated officer.

(4) In this Article “designated officer” means a police officer designated for the purposes of this Article—

(a) by the Chief Constable; or

(b) by such other police officer as the Chief Constable may direct.

(5) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a child has been taken into police protection, the designated officer shall—

(a) inform the authority within whose area the child was found of the steps that have been, and are proposed to be, taken with respect to the child under this Article and the reasons for taking them;

(b) give details to the authority within whose area the child is ordinarily resident ( “the appropriate authority”) of the place at which the child is being accommodated;

(c) inform the child (if he appears capable of understanding)—

(i) of the steps that have been taken with respect to him under this Article and of the reasons for taking them; and

(ii) of the further steps that may be taken with respect to him under this Article;

(d) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to discover the wishes and feelings of the child; and

(e) where the child was taken into police protection by being removed to accommodation which is not provided—

(i) by or on behalf of an authority; or

(ii) as a refuge, in compliance with the requirements of Article 70,

secure that he is moved to accommodation which is so provided.

(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after a child has been taken into police protection, the designated officer shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to inform—

(a) the child's parents;

(b) every person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(c) any other person with whom the child was living immediately before being taken into police protection,

of the steps that have been taken under this Article with respect to the child, the reasons for taking them and the further steps that may be taken with respect to him under this Article.

(7) On completing any inquiry under paragraph (3), the designated officer shall release the child from police protection unless he considers that there is still reasonable cause for believing that the child would be likely to suffer significant harm if released.

(8) No child may be kept in police protection for more than 72 hours.

(9) While a child is being kept in police protection—

(a) neither the constable referred to in paragraph (1) nor the designated officer shall have parental responsibility for him; but

(b) the designated officer shall do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare (having regard in particular to the length of the period during which the child will be so protected).

(10) Where a child has been taken into police protection, the designated officer shall allow—

(a) the child's parents;

(b) any person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for him;

(c) any person with whom the child was living immediately before he was taken into police protection;

(d) any person in whose favour a contact order is in force with respect to the child;

(e) any person who is allowed to have contact with the child by virtue of an order under Article 53; and

(f) any person acting on behalf of any of those persons,

to have such contact (if any) with the child as, in the opinion of the designated officer, is both reasonable and in the child's best interests.

(11) Where a child who has been taken into police protection is in accommodation provided by, or on behalf of, the appropriate authority, paragraph (10) shall have effect as if it referred to the authority rather than to the designated officer.

Authority's duty to investigate N.I.

66.—(1) Where an authority—

(a) is informed that a child who lives, or is found, in the authority's area—

(i) is the subject of an emergency protection order; or

(ii) is in police protection; or

(b) has reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found, in the authority's area is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm,

the authority shall make, or cause to be made, such inquiries as it considers necessary to enable it to decide whether it should take any action to safeguard or promote the child's welfare.

(2) Where an authority has obtained an emergency protection order with respect to a child, the authority shall make, or cause to be made, such inquiries as it considers necessary to enable it to decide what action it should take to safeguard or promote the child's welfare.

(3) The inquiries shall, in particular, be directed towards establishing—

(a) whether the authority should make any application to the court, or exercise any of the authority's other powers under this Order, with respect to the child; and

(b) whether, in the case of a child—

(i) with respect to whom an emergency protection order has been made; and

(ii) who is not in accommodation provided by or on behalf of the authority,

it would be in the child's best interests (while the emergency protection order remains in force) for him to be in such accommodation.

(4) Where inquiries are being made under paragraph (1) with respect to a child, the authority shall (with a view to enabling it to determine what action, if any, to take with respect to him) take such steps as are reasonably practicable—

(a) to obtain access to him; or

(b) to ensure that access to him is obtained, on the authority's behalf, by a person authorised by the authority for the purpose,

unless the authority is satisfied that it already has sufficient information with respect to the child.

(5) Where, as a result of any such inquiries, it appears to the authority that there are matters connected with the child's education which should be investigated, the authority shall consult the relevant education and library board.

(6) Where, in the course of inquiries made under this Article, any officer of the authority or any person authorised by the authority to act on its behalf in connection with those inquiries—

(a) is refused access to the child concerned; or

(b) is denied information as to the child's whereabouts,

the authority shall apply for an emergency protection order, a child assessment order, a care order or a supervision order with respect to the child unless it is satisfied that his welfare can be satisfactorily safeguarded without the authority's doing so.

(7) If, on the conclusion of any inquiries or review made under this Article, the authority decides not to apply for an emergency protection order, a child assessment order, a care order or a supervision order the authority shall—

(a) consider whether it would be appropriate to review the case at a later date; and

(b) if the authority decides that it would be, determine the date on which that review is to begin.

(8) Where, as a result of complying with this Article, an authority concludes that it should take action to safeguard or promote the child's welfare the authority shall take that action (so far as it is both within the power of the authority and reasonably practicable for it to do so).

(9) Where an authority is conducting inquiries under this Article, it shall be the duty of anyone to whom this paragraph applies to assist the authority with those inquiries (in particular by providing relevant information and advice) if called upon by the authority to do so.

(10) Paragraph (9) does not oblige anyone to assist an authority where to do so would be unreasonable in all the circumstances of the case.

(11) Paragraph (9) applies to—

(a) any Board;

(b) any education and library board;

(c) any Health and Social Services trust;

(d) the Northern Ireland Housing Executive;

(e) any special agency; and

(f) such other persons as the Department may direct for the purposes of this Article.

(12) Where an authority is making inquiries under this Article with respect to a child who appears to the authority to be ordinarily resident within the area of another authority, the authority shall consult that other authority, which may undertake the necessary inquiries in its place.

Powers to assist in discovery of children who may be in need of emergency protection N.I.

67.—(1) Where it appears to a court making an emergency protection order that adequate information as to the child's whereabouts—

(a) is not available to the applicant for the order; but

(b) is available to another person,

it may include in the order a provision requiring that other person to disclose, if asked to do so by the applicant, any information that he may have as to the child's whereabouts.

(2) No person shall be excused from complying with such a requirement on the ground that complying might incriminate him or his spouse[F86 or civil partner] of an offence; but a statement or admission made in complying shall not be admissible in evidence against either of them in proceedings for any offence other than perjury.

(3) An emergency protection order may authorise the applicant to enter premises specified by the order and search for the child with respect to whom the order is made.

(4) Where the court is satisfied that there is reasonable cause to believe that there may be another child on those premises with respect to whom an emergency protection order ought to be made, it may make an order authorising the applicant to search for that other child on those premises.

(5) Where—

(a) an order has been made under paragraph (4);

(b) the child concerned has been found on the premises; and

(c) the applicant is satisfied that the grounds for making an emergency protection order exist with respect to him,

the order shall have effect as if it were an emergency protection order.

(6) Where an order has been made under paragraph (4), the applicant shall notify the court of its effect.

(7) A person shall be guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs any person exercising the power of entry and search under paragraph (3) or (4).

(8) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (7) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(9) Where, on an application made by any person for a warrant under this Article, it appears to the court—

(a) that a person attempting to exercise powers under an emergency protection order has been prevented from doing so by being refused entry to the premises concerned or access to the child concerned; or

(b) that any such person is likely to be so prevented from exercising any such powers,

it may issue a warrant authorising any constable to assist the person mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) in the exercise of those powers, using reasonable force if necessary.

(10) Every warrant issued under this Article shall be addressed to, and executed by, a constable who shall be accompanied by the person applying for the warrant if—

(a) that person so desires; and

(b) the court by whom the warrant is issued does not direct otherwise.

(11) A court granting an application for a warrant under this Article may direct that the constable may, in executing the warrant, be accompanied by a medical practitioner, registered nurse or registered health visitor if he so chooses.

(12) An application for a warrant under this Article shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by rules of court.

(13) Wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so, an order under paragraph (4), an application for a warrant under this Article and any such warrant shall name the child; and where it does not name him it shall describe him as clearly as possible.

F86 2004 c. 33

Abduction of children in care, etc. N.I.

68.—(1) A person shall be guilty of an offence if, knowingly and without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, he—

(a) takes a child to whom this Article applies away from the responsible person;

(b) keeps such a child away from the responsible person; or

(c) induces, assists or incites such a child to run away or stay away from the responsible person.

(2) This Article applies in relation to a child who is—

(a) in care;

(b) the subject of an emergency protection order; or

(c) in police protection,

and in this Article “the responsible person” means any person who for the time being has care of him by virtue of the care order, the emergency protection order, or Article 65, as the case may be.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

Recovery of abducted children, etc. N.I.

69.—(1) Where it appears to the court that there is reason to believe that a child to whom this Article applies—

(a) has been unlawfully taken away or is being unlawfully kept away from the responsible person;

(b) has run away or is staying away from the responsible person; or

(c) is missing,

the court may make an order under this Article ( “a recovery order”).

(2) This Article applies to the same children to whom Article 68 applies and in this Article “the responsible person” has the same meaning as in that Article.

(3) A recovery order—

(a) operates as a direction to any person who is in a position to do so to produce the child on request to any authorised person;

(b) authorises the removal of the child by any authorised person;

(c) requires any person who has information as to the child's whereabouts to disclose that information, if asked to do so, to a constable or an officer of the court;

(d) authorises a constable to enter any premises specified in the order and search for the child, using reasonable force if necessary.

(4) The court may make a recovery order only on the application of—

(a) any person who has parental responsibility for the child by virtue of a care order or emergency protection order; or

(b) where the child is in police protection, the designated officer.

(5) A recovery order shall name the child and—

(a) any person who has parental responsibility for the child by virtue of a care order or emergency protection order; or

(b) where the child is in police protection, the designated officer.

(6) Premises may only be specified under paragraph (3)(d) if it appears to the court that there are reasonable grounds for believing the child to be on them.

(7) In this Article—

• “authorised person” means—

  (a)

  any person specified by the court;

  (b)

  any constable;

  (c)

  any person who is authorised—

  (i)

  after the recovery order is made; and

  (ii)

  by a person who has parental responsibility for the child by virtue of a care order or an emergency protection order,

  to exercise any power under a recovery order; and

• “designated officer” means the police officer designated for the purposes of Article 65.

(8) Where a person is authorised as mentioned in paragraph (c) of the definition of “authorised person” in paragraph (7)—

(a) the authorisation shall identify the recovery order; and

(b) any person claiming to be so authorised shall, if asked to do so, produce some duly authenticated document showing that he is so authorised.

(9) A person shall be guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs an authorised person exercising the power under paragraph (3)(b) to remove a child.

(10) A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(11) No person shall be excused from complying with any request made under paragraph (3)(c) on the ground that complying with it might incriminate him or his spouse[F87 or civil partner] of an offence; but a statement or admission made in complying shall not be admissible in evidence against either of them in proceedings for an offence other than perjury.

(12) Where a child is made the subject of a recovery order whilst being looked after by an authority, any reasonable expenses incurred by an authorised person in giving effect to the order shall be recoverable from the authority.

F87 2004 c. 33

Refuges for children at risk N.I.

70.—(1) Where it is proposed to use a voluntary home or a [F88 private] children's home to provide a refuge for children who appear to be at risk of harm, the Department may issue a certificate under this Article with respect to that home.

(2) Where an authority or voluntary organisation arranges for a foster parent to provide such a refuge, the Department may issue a certificate under this Article with respect to that foster parent.

(3) In paragraph (2) “foster parent” means a person who is, or who from time to time is, an authority foster parent or a foster parent with whom children are placed by a voluntary organisation.

(4) The Department may by regulations—

(a) make provision as to the manner in which certificates may be issued;

(b) impose requirements which must be complied with while any certificate is in force; and

(c) provide for the withdrawal of certificates in prescribed circumstances.

(5) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a home, none of the provisions mentioned in paragraph (7) shall apply in relation to any person providing a refuge for any child in that home.

(6) Where a certificate is in force with respect to a foster parent, none of the provisions mentioned in paragraph (7) shall apply in relation to the provision by him of a refuge for any child in accordance with arrangements made by the authority or voluntary organisation.

(7) The provisions are—

(a) Article 68;

[F89 (b) Article 54(5) of the Criminal Justice (Children) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (escapes from juvenile justice centres);]

F90 (c) [F91 section 83 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995] (harbouring children who have absconded from residential establishments etc.), so far as it applies in relation to anything done in Northern Ireland;

(d) section 32(3) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969F92 (compelling, persuading, inciting or assisting any person to be absent from detention, etc.), so far as it applies in relation to anything done in Northern Ireland;

(e) Article 4 of the Child Abduction (Northern Ireland) Order 1985F93 (abduction of children by persons other than parents, etc.).

F88 2003 NI 9

F89 1998 NI 9

F90 prosp. inserted by 2002 c. 26

F91 1995 c.36

F92 1969 c. 54

F93 1985 NI 17

Rules of court and regulations N.I.

71.—(1) Without prejudice to Article 165 (rules of court) or any other power to make such rules, rules of court may be made with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with proceedings under this Part.

(2) The rules may, in particular, make provision—

(a) as to the form in which any application is to be made or direction is to be given;

(b) prescribing the persons who are to be notified of—

(i) the making, or extension, of an emergency protection order; or

(ii) the making of an application under Article 64(3) or (7); and

(c) as to the content of any such notification and the manner in which, and person by whom, it is to be given.

(3) The Department may by regulations provide that, where—

(a) an emergency protection order has been made with respect to a child;

(b) the applicant for the order was not the authority within whose area the child is ordinarily resident; and

(c) that authority is of the opinion that it would be in the child's best interests for the applicant's responsibilities under the order to be transferred to it,

that authority shall (subject to its having complied with any requirements imposed by the regulations) be treated, for the purposes of this Order, as though it and not the original applicant had applied for, and been granted, the order.

(4) Regulations made under paragraph (3) may, in particular, make provision as to—

(a) the considerations to which the authority shall have regard in forming an opinion as mentioned in paragraph (3)(c); and

(b) the time at which responsibility under any emergency protection order is to be treated as having been transferred to an authority.

PART VII N.I. HOMES PROVIDED BY AN AUTHORITY

Provision of homes by an authority N.I.

72.—(1) Every authority shall, to such extent as it considers appropriate, provide homes—

(a) for the care and accommodation of children looked after by the authority; and

(b) for purposes connected with the welfare of children (whether or not looked after by the authority).

(2) Every authority shall have regard to the need to make different types of provision for different children.

Regulations N.I.

73.—(1) The Department may make regulations—

(a) as to the placing of children in homes provided under this Part;

Sub‐paras. (b)(c) rep. by 2003 NI 9

Para. (2) rep. by 2003 NI 9

PART VIII N.I. VOLUNTARY HOMES AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

Introductory N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

74.—(1) In this Order—

• [F94 “voluntary home” means a children's home which is carried on by a voluntary organisation;]

• “voluntary organisation” means any association carrying on or proposing to carry on any activities otherwise than for the purpose of gain by the association or by individual members.

• Paras. (2) & (3) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(4) Any reference in this Part to an authority in relation to a voluntary home is a reference to the authority in whose area the home is, or is to be, situated.

F94 2003 NI 9

Voluntary organisations N.I.

Provision of accommodation for children N.I.

75.—(1) A voluntary organisation which provides accommodation for a child shall do so by—

(a) placing him (subject to paragraph (2)) with—

(i) a family;

(ii) a relative of his; or

(iii) any other suitable person,

on such terms as to payment by the organisation and otherwise as the organisation may determine;

[F95 (aa) maintaining him in an appropriate children's home;]

(f) making such other arrangements (subject to paragraph (3)) as seem appropriate to the organisation.

(2) The Department may make regulations as to the placing of children with foster parents by voluntary organisations and the regulations may, in particular, make provision similar to the provision that may be made under Article 27(2)(a) (placing of children by an authority).

(3) The Department may make regulations as to the arrangements which may be made under paragraph (1)(f) and the regulations may in particular make provision similar to the provision that may be made under Article 27(2)(f) (other arrangements made by an authority).

(4) The Department may make regulations requiring any voluntary organisation which is providing accommodation for a child—

(a) to review his case; and

(b) to consider any representations (including any complaint) made to the organisation by any prescribed person,

in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.

(5) Regulations under paragraph (4) may in particular make provision similar to the provision that may be made under Article 45 (reviews where child looked after by an authority).

(6) Regulations under paragraphs (2) to (4) may provide that any person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes a regulation shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

F95 2003 NI 9

Duties of voluntary organisations N.I.

76.—(1) Where a child is accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation, the organisation shall—

(a) safeguard and promote his welfare;

(b) make such use of the services and facilities available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to the organisation reasonable in his case; and

(c) advise, assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when he ceases to be so accommodated.

(2) Before making any decision with respect to any such child the organisation shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

(a) the child;

(b) his parents;

(c) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(d) any other person whose wishes and feelings the organisation considers to be relevant,

regarding the matter to be decided.

(3) In making any such decision the organisation shall give due consideration—

(a) having regard to the child's age and understanding, to such wishes and feelings of his as the organisation has been able to ascertain;

(b) to such other wishes and feelings mentioned in paragraph (2) as the organisation has been able to ascertain; and

(c) to the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.

(4) Every voluntary organisation shall, at such times and in such form as the Department may direct, transmit to the Department such particulars as the Department may require with respect to children accommodated by or on behalf of the voluntary organisation.

Duties of an authority N.I.

77.—(1) Every authority shall satisfy itself that any voluntary organisation providing accommodation—

(a) within the authority's area for any child; or

(b) outside that area for any child on behalf of the authority,

is satisfactorily safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children so provided with accommodation.

(2) Every authority shall arrange for children who are accommodated within its area by or on behalf of voluntary organisations to be visited in the interests of their welfare.

(3) The Department may make regulations—

(a) requiring every child who is accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation, to be visited by an officer of the authority—

(i) in prescribed circumstances; and

(ii) on specified occasions or within specified periods; and

(b) imposing requirements which must be met by any authority, or officer of an authority, carrying out functions under this Article.

(4) If an authority is not satisfied that the welfare of any child who is accommodated by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation is being satisfactorily safeguarded or promoted, the authority shall—

(a) unless it considers that it would not be in the best interests of the child, take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that the care and accommodation of the child are undertaken by—

(i) a parent of his;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) a relative of his; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) the authority should exercise any of its functions with respect to the child.

(5) Any person authorised by an authority may for the purpose of enabling the authority to discharge its duties under this Article—

(a) enter at any reasonable time and inspect any premises in which children are being accommodated as mentioned in paragraph (1) or (2);

(b) inspect any children there;

(c) require any person to furnish him with such records of a kind required to be kept by regulations made under[F96 Article 23 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003] (in whatever form they are held), or allow him to inspect such records, as he may at any time direct.

(6) Any person exercising the power conferred by paragraph (5) shall, if asked to do so, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(7) Any person authorised to exercise the power to inspect records conferred by paragraph (5)—

(a) shall be entitled at any reasonable time to have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been in use in connection with the records in question; and

(b) may require—

(i) the person by whom or on whose behalf the computer is or has been so used; or

(ii) any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material,

to afford him such assistance as he may reasonably require.

(8) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of any power conferred by paragraph (5) or (7) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

F96 2003 NI 9

Voluntary homes N.I.

Persons disqualified from carrying on, or being employed in, voluntary homes N.I.

78.—(1) A person who is disqualified (under Article 109) from fostering a child privately shall not carry on, or be otherwise concerned in the management of, or have any financial interest in, a voluntary home unless he has—

(a) disclosed to the[F97 Regulation and Improvement Authority] the fact that he is so disqualified; and

(b) obtained[F97 its consent] in writing.

(2) No person shall employ a person who is so disqualified in a voluntary home unless he has—

(a) disclosed to the[F97 Regulation and Improvement Authority] the fact that that person is so disqualified; and

(b) obtained[F97 its consent] in writing.

(3) Where[F97 the Regulation and Improvement Authority] refuses to give its consent under this Article,[F97 it] shall inform the applicant by a notice which states—

(a) the reason for the refusal;

[F97 (b) the applicant's right to appeal under Article 78A against the refusal to the Care Tribunal; and]

(c) the time within which he may do so.

(4) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.

(5) Where a person contravenes paragraph (2) he shall not be guilty of an offence if he proves that he did not know, and had no reasonable grounds for believing, that the person whom he was employing was disqualified under Article 109.

F97 2003 NI 9

[F98 Appeal against refusal of consent under Article 78 N.I.

78A.— (1) An appeal against a decision of the Regulation and Improvement Authority under Article 78 shall lie to the Care Tribunal.

(2) On an appeal the Care Tribunal may confirm the decision of the Regulation and Improvement Authority or direct it to give the consent in question.]

F98 2003 NI 9

Arts. 79‐88 rep. by 2003 NI 9

Regulations N.I.

Regulations N.I.

89.—(1) The Department may make regulations—

(a) as to the placing of children in voluntary homes;

Sub‐paras. (b)(c) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(2) The regulations may in particular—

Sub‐paras. (a)‐(e) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(f) prohibit the use of accommodation for the purpose of restricting the liberty of children in such homes;

Sub‐paras. (g)‐(l) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(3) The regulations may provide that a contravention of any specified provision of the regulations, without reasonable excuse, shall be an offence against the regulations.

(4) Any person guilty of such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

PART IX N.I. [F99 PRIVATE] CHILDREN'S HOMES

F99 2003 NI 9

Introductory N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

90.  Para.(1) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(2) In this Part—

• “home” includes any institution;

• “notice” and “notify” mean respectively notice in writing and notify in writing;

• “the relevant requirements” means any requirements of this Part and of regulations under Article 105, and any conditions imposed under Article 97.

(3) Any reference in this Part to an authority in relation to a[F100 private] children's home means the authority in whose area the home is, or is to be, situated.

F100 2003 NI 9

“Children's home” further defined N.I.

91.  Para.(1)‐(3) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(4) Schedule 5 shall have effect for the purpose of setting out the circumstances in which a person may foster more than three children without being treated[F101 for the purposes of this Order and the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003] as carrying on a children's home.

F101 2003 NI 9

General N.I.

Duties of person carrying on[F102 private] children's home N.I.

92.—(1) Where a child is accommodated in a [F102 private] children's home, the person carrying on the home shall—

(a) safeguard and promote the child's welfare;

(b) make such use of the services and facilities available for children cared for by their own parents as appears to that person reasonable in the case of the child; and

(c) advise, assist and befriend him with a view to promoting his welfare when he ceases to be so accommodated.

(2) Before making any decision with respect to any such child the person carrying on the home shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the wishes and feelings of—

(a) the child;

(b) his parents;

(c) any other person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(d) any person whose wishes and feelings the person carrying on the home considers to be relevant,

regarding the matter to be decided.

(3) In making any such decision the person carrying on the home shall give due consideration—

(a) having regard to the child's age and understanding, to such wishes and feelings of his as he has been able to ascertain;

(b) to such other wishes and feelings mentioned in paragraph (2) as he has been able to ascertain; and

(c) to the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.

(4) Every person carrying on a[F102 private] children's home shall, at such times and in such form as the Department may direct, transmit to the Department such particulars as the Department may require with respect to the children accommodated in the home.

F102 2003 NI 9

Duties of an authority N.I.

93.—(1) Every authority shall satisfy itself that any person carrying on a [F103 private] children's home which provides accommodation—

(a) within the authority's area for any child; or

(b) outside that area for any child on behalf of the authority,

is satisfactorily safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children so provided with accommodation.

(2) Every authority shall arrange for children who are accommodated within its area in a[F103 private] children's home to be visited in the interests of their welfare.

(3) The Department may make regulations—

(a) requiring every child who is accommodated in a[F103 private] children's home within an authority's area to be visited by an officer of the authority—

(i) in prescribed circumstances; and

(ii) on specified occasions or within specified periods; and

(b) imposing requirements which must be met by any authority, or officer of an authority, carrying out functions under this Article.

(4) If an authority is not satisfied that the welfare of any child who is accommodated in a[F103 private] children's home is being satisfactorily safeguarded or promoted, the authority shall—

(a) unless it considers that it would not be in the best interests of the child, take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that the care and accommodation of the child are undertaken by—

(i) a parent of his;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) a relative of his; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) the authority should exercise any of its functions with respect to the child.

(5) Any person authorised by an authority may, for the purpose of enabling the authority to discharge its duties under this Article—

(a) enter at any reasonable time and inspect any[F103 private] children's home;

(b) inspect any children there;

(c) require any person to furnish him with such records of a kind required to be kept by regulations made under[F104 Article 23 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003] (in whatever form they are held), or allow him to inspect such records, as he may at any time direct.

(6) Any person exercising the power conferred by paragraph (5) shall, if asked to do so, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(7) Any person authorised to exercise the power to inspect records conferred by paragraph (5)—

(a) shall be entitled at any reasonable time to have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been in use in connection with the records in question; and

(b) may require—

(i) the person by whom or on whose behalf the computer is or has been so used; or

(ii) any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material,

to afford him such assistance as he may reasonably require.

(8) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of any power conferred by paragraph (5) or (7) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

F103 2003 NI 9

F104 2003 NI 9

Persons disqualified from carrying on, or being employed in,[F105 private] children's homes N.I.

94.—(1) A person who is disqualified (under Article 109) from fostering a child privately shall not carry on, or be otherwise concerned in the management of, or have any financial interest in, a children's home unless he has—

(a) disclosed to the[F106 Regulation and Improvement Authority] the fact that he is so disqualified; and

(b) obtained[F106 its consent] in writing.

(2) No person shall employ a person who is so disqualified in a children's home unless he has—

(a) disclosed to the[F106 Regulation and Improvement Authority] the fact that that person is so disqualified; and

(b) obtained[F106 its consent] in writing.

(3) Where[F106 the Regulation and Improvement Authority] refuses to give its consent under this Article,[F106 it] shall inform the applicant by a notice which states—

(a) the reason for the refusal;

[F106 (b) the applicant's right to appeal under Article 94A against the refusal to the Care Tribunal; and]

(c) the time within which he may do so.

(4) Any person who contravenes paragraph (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.

(5) Where a person contravenes paragraph (2) he shall not be guilty of an offence if he proves that he did not know, and had no reasonable grounds for believing, that the person whom he was employing was disqualified under Article 109.

F105 2003 NI 9

F106 2003 NI 9

[F107 Appeal against refusal of consent under Article 94 N.I.

94A.— (1) An appeal against a decision of the Regulation and Improvement Authority under Article 94 shall lie to the Care Tribunal.

(2) On an appeal the Care Tribunal may confirm the decision of the Regulation and Improvement Authority or direct it to give the consent in question.]

F107 2003 NI 9

Registration N.I.

Arts. 95‐104 rep. by 2003 NI 9

Regulations N.I.

Regulations N.I.

105.—(1) The Department may make regulations—

(a) as to the placing of children in[F108 private] children's homes;

Sub‐paras.(b)‐(c) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(2) The regulations may in particular—

Sub‐paras.(a)‐(e) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(f) prohibit the use of accommodation for the purpose of restricting the liberty of children in such homes;

Sub‐paras.(g)‐(k) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(l) make provision similar to that made by regulations under Article 45;

Sub‐para.(m) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(3) The regulations may provide that a contravention of any specified provision of the regulations, without reasonable excuse, shall be an offence against the regulations.

(4) Any person guilty of such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

F108 2003 NI 9

PART X N.I. PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOSTERING CHILDREN

Interpretation N.I.

106.—(1) In this Order—

• “foster a child privately” means look after the child in circumstances in which he is a privately fostered child;

• “privately fostered child” means a child who is cared for, and provided with accommodation[F109 in their own home] by, someone other than—

  (a)

  a parent of his;

  (b)

  a person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

  (c)

  a relative of his.

(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to—

(a) the provisions of Articles 90[F109 and 91] (children's homes); and

(b) the exceptions made by Article 107 (privately fostered children further defined).

(3) In this Part “child” means a person who is under the age of 16 or, if he is disabled, under the age of 18.

[F109 (3A) The Department may by regulations make provision as to the circumstances in which a person who provides accommodation to a child is, or is not, to be treated as providing him with accommodation in the person's own home.]

F109 2003 NI 9

Privately fostered children further defined N.I.

107.—(1) A child is not a privately fostered child if the person caring for and accommodating him—

(a) has done so for a period of less than 28 days; and

(b) does not intend to do so for any longer period.

(2) A child is not a privately fostered child while he is being looked after by an authority.

(3) A child is not a privately fostered child while he is in the care of any person—

(a) in premises in which any—

(i) parent of his;

(ii) person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) person who is a relative of his and who has assumed responsibility for his care,

is for the time being living;

Sub‐para.(b) rep. by 2003 NI 9

(c) in accommodation provided by or on behalf of any voluntary organisation;

(d) in any school in which he is receiving full-time education;

(e) in any residential care home;

(f) in any hospital (including a private hospital) or nursing home; or

(g) in any home or institution not specified in[F110 sub-paragraphs (c)] to (f) but provided by the Secretary of State, a government department or a prescribed public body,

but[F110 sub-paragraphs (c)] to (g) do not apply where the person caring for the child is doing so in his personal capacity and not in the course of carrying out his duties in relation to the establishment mentioned in the sub-paragraph in question.

(4) A child is not a privately fostered child while he is living with any person in compliance with a probation order which includes a residence requirement.

(5) A child is not a privately fostered child while[F111 he is living with any person in compliance with a juvenile justice centre order.]

(6) A child is not a privately fostered child while he is liable to be detained, or subject to guardianship, under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F112 .

(7) A child is not a privately fostered child while—

(a) he is placed in the care of a person who proposes to adopt him under arrangements made by an adoption agency within the meaning of—

(i) Article 3 of the Adoption Order; or

(ii) section 1 of the Adoption Act 1976F113 ; or

(iii) section 1 of the Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978F114 ;

(b) he is a protected child.

F110 2003 NI 9

F111 1998 NI 9

F112 1986 NI 4

F113 1976 c. 36

F114 1978 c. 28

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Art. 107(7)(a) modified (6.4.2010) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Parental Orders) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/985), reg. 5, Sch. 4

Welfare of privately fostered children N.I.

108.—(1) Every authority shall—

(a) satisfy itself that the welfare of children who are privately fostered within the authority's area is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted; and

(b) secure that such advice is given to those caring for them as appears to the authority to be needed.

(2) The Department may make regulations—

(a) requiring every child who is privately fostered within an authority's area to be visited by an officer of the authority—

(i) in prescribed circumstances; and

(ii) on specified occasions or within specified periods; and

(b) imposing requirements which are to be met by any authority, or officer of an authority, in carrying out functions under this Article.

(3) Where any person who is authorised by an authority to visit privately fostered children has reasonable cause to believe that—

(a) any privately fostered child is being accommodated in premises within the authority's area; or

(b) it is proposed to accommodate any such child in any such premises,

he may at any reasonable time inspect those premises and any children there.

(4) Any person exercising the power under paragraph (3) shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(5) If an authority is not satisfied that the welfare of any child who is privately fostered within the authority's area is being satisfactorily safeguarded or promoted the authority shall—

(a) unless it considers that it would not be in the best interests of the child, take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that the care and accommodation of the child is undertaken by—

(i) a parent of his;

(ii) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(iii) a relative of his; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) it should exercise any of its functions under this Order with respect to the child.

Persons disqualified from being private foster parents N.I.

109.—(1) Unless he has disclosed the fact to the appropriate authority and obtained its written consent, a person shall not foster a child privately if he is disqualified from doing so by regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this Article.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, provide for a person to be so disqualified where—

(a) an order of a kind specified in the regulations has been made at any time with respect to him;

(b) an order of a kind so specified has been made at any time with respect to any child who has been in his care;

(c) a requirement of a kind so specified has been imposed at any time with respect to any such child under any statutory provision;

(d) he has been convicted of any offence of a kind so specified, or has been placed on probation or discharged absolutely or conditionally for any such offence;

(e) he has at any time been disqualified from child minding or providing day care for children under the age of twelve;

(f) a prohibition has been imposed on him at any time under Article 110 or under any other specified statutory provision.

(3) Unless he has disclosed the fact to the appropriate authority and obtained its written consent, a person shall not foster a child privately if—

(a) he lives in the same household as a person who is himself prevented from fostering a child by paragraph (1); or

(b) he lives in a household at which any such person is employed.

(4) Where an authority refuses to give its consent under this Article, it shall inform the applicant by a written notice which states—

(a) the reason for the refusal;

(b) the applicant's right under Article 113 to appeal against the refusal; and

(c) the time within which he may do so.

(5) In this Article—

• “the appropriate authority” means the authority within whose area it is proposed to foster the child in question;

• “statutory provision” includes any statutory provision having effect, at any time, in any part of the United Kingdom.

Power to prohibit private fostering N.I.

110.—(1) This Article applies where a person—

(a) proposes to foster a child privately; or

(b) is fostering a child privately.

(2) Where the authority for the area within which the child is proposed to be, or is being, fostered is of the opinion that—

(a) he is not a suitable person to foster a child;

(b) the premises in which the child will be, or is being, accommodated are not suitable; or

(c) it would be prejudicial to the welfare of the child for him to be, or continue to be, accommodated by that person in those premises,

the authority may impose a prohibition on that person.

(3) A prohibition imposed on any person under paragraph (2) may prohibit him from fostering privately—

(a) any child in any premises within the authority's area;

(b) any child in premises specified in the prohibition; or

(c) a child identified in the prohibition, in premises specified in the prohibition.

(4) An authority which has imposed a prohibition on any person under paragraph (2) may, if it thinks fit, cancel the prohibition—

(a) of its own motion; or

(b) on an application made by that person,

if it is satisfied that the prohibition is no longer justified.

(5) Where an authority imposes a requirement on any person under Article 111, it may also impose a prohibition on him under paragraph (2).

(6) Any prohibition imposed by virtue of paragraph (5) shall not have effect unless—

(a) the time specified for compliance with the requirement has expired; and

(b) the requirement has not been complied with.

(7) A prohibition imposed under this Article shall be imposed by notice in writing addressed to the person on whom it is imposed and informing him of—

(a) the reason for imposing the prohibition;

(b) his right under Article 113 to appeal against the prohibition; and

(c) the time within which he may do so.

Power to impose requirements N.I.

111.—(1) Where a person is fostering any child privately, or proposes to foster any child privately, the appropriate authority may impose on him requirements as to—

(a) the number, age and sex of the children who may be privately fostered by him;

(b) the standard of the accommodation and equipment to be provided for them;

(c) the arrangements to be made with respect to their health and safety; and

(d) particular arrangements which must be made with respect to the provision of care for them,

and he shall comply with any such requirement before the end of such period as the authority may specify unless, in the case of a proposal, the proposal is not carried out.

(2) A requirement may be limited to a particular child.

(3) A requirement (other than one imposed under paragraph (1)(a)) may be limited by the authority so as to apply only when the number of children fostered by the person exceeds a specified number.

(4) A requirement shall be imposed by notice in writing addressed to the person on whom it is imposed and informing him of—

(a) the reason for imposing the requirement;

(b) his right under Article 113 to appeal against it; and

(c) the time within which he may do so.

(5) An authority may vary any requirement, impose any additional requirement or remove any requirement.

(6) In this Article—

• “the appropriate authority” means—

  (a)

  the authority within whose area the child is being fostered; or

  (b)

  in the case of a proposal to foster a child, the authority within whose area it is proposed that he will be fostered; and

• “requirement”, in relation to any person, means a requirement imposed on him under this Article.

Regulations requiring notification of fostering, etc. N.I.

112.—(1) The Department may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the circumstances in which notification is required to be given in connection with children who are, have been or are proposed to be, fostered privately; and

(b) the manner and form in which such notification is to be given.

(2) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) require any person who is, or proposes to be, involved (whether or not directly) in arranging for a child to be fostered privately to notify the appropriate authority;

(b) require any person who is—

(i) a parent of a child; or

(ii) a person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for a child,

and who knows that it is proposed that the child should be fostered privately, to notify the appropriate authority;

(c) require any parent of a privately fostered child, or person who is not a parent of such a child but who has parental responsibility for him, to notify the appropriate authority of any change in that parent's, or that person's, address;

(d) require any person who proposes to foster a child privately, to notify the appropriate authority of his proposal;

(e) require any person who is fostering a child privately, or proposes to do so, to notify the appropriate authority of—

(i) any offence of which he has been convicted;

(ii) any disqualification imposed on him under Article 109; or

(iii) any prohibition imposed on him under Article 110;

(f) require any person who is fostering a child privately, to notify the appropriate authority of any change in that person's address;

(g) require any person who is fostering a child privately to notify the appropriate authority in writing of any person who begins, or ceases, to be part of his household;

(h) require any person who has been fostering a child privately, but has ceased to do so, to notify the appropriate authority (indicating, where the child has died, that that is the reason).

(3) In paragraph (2) “the appropriate authority” has the same meaning as in Article 111.

Appeals N.I.

113.—(1) A person aggrieved by—

(a) a requirement imposed under Article 111;

(b) a refusal to consent under Article 109;

(c) a prohibition imposed under Article 110;

(d) a refusal to cancel such a prohibition;

(e) a refusal to make an exemption under paragraph 4 of Schedule 5;

(f) a condition imposed in such an exemption; or

(g) a variation or cancellation of such an exemption or condition,

may appeal to the court.

(2) The appeal must be made within 14 days from the date on which the person appealing is notified of the requirement, refusal, prohibition, condition, variation or cancellation.

(3) Where the appeal is against—

(a) a requirement imposed under Article 111;

(b) a condition of an exemption imposed under paragraph 4 of Schedule 5; or

(c) a variation or cancellation of such an exemption or condition,

the requirement, condition, variation or cancellation shall not have effect while the appeal is pending.

(4) Where it allows an appeal against a requirement or prohibition, the court may, instead of cancelling the requirement or prohibition—

(a) vary the requirement, or allow more time for compliance with it; or

(b) if an absolute prohibition has been imposed, substitute for it a prohibition on using the premises after such time as the court may specify unless such specified requirements as the authority had power to impose under Article 111 are complied with.

(5) Any requirement or prohibition specified or substituted by a court under this Article shall be deemed for the purposes of this Part (other than this Article) to have been imposed by the authority under Article 111 or (as the case may be) Article 110.

(6) Where it allows an appeal against a refusal to make an exemption, a condition imposed in such an exemption or a variation or cancellation of such an exemption or condition, the court may—

(a) make an exemption;

(b) impose a condition; or

(c) vary the exemption or condition.

(7) Any exemption made or varied under paragraph (6), or any condition imposed or varied under that paragraph, shall be deemed for the purposes of Schedule 5 (but not for the purposes of this Article) to have been made, varied or imposed under that Schedule.

(8) Nothing in paragraph (1)(e) to (g) confers any right of appeal on—

(a) a person who is, or would be if exempted under Schedule 5, an authority foster parent; or

(b) a person who is, or would be if so exempted, a person with whom a child is placed by a voluntary organisation.

Application of this Part to certain school children during holidays N.I.

114.—(1) Where a child who is a pupil at a school lives at the school during school holidays for a period of more than two weeks, this Part shall apply in relation to the child as if—

(a) while living at the school, he were a privately fostered child; and

(b) Articles 107(3)(d) and 111 were omitted.

(2) Paragraph (3) applies to any person who proposes to care for and accommodate one or more children at a school in circumstances in which some or all of them will be treated as privately fostered children by virtue of this Article.

(3) That person shall, not less than two weeks before the first of those children is treated as a privately fostered child by virtue of this Article during the holiday in question, give written notice of his proposal to the authority within whose area the child is ordinarily resident ( “the appropriate authority”), stating the estimated number of the children.

(4) An authority may exempt any person from the duty of giving notice under paragraph (3).

(5) Any such exemption may be granted for a special period or indefinitely and may be revoked at any time by notice in writing given to the person exempted.

(6) Where a child who is treated as a privately fostered child by virtue of this Article dies, the person caring for him at the school shall, not later than 48 hours after the death, give written notice of it—

(a) to the appropriate authority; and

(b) where reasonably practicable, to each parent of the child and to every person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for him.

(7) Where a child who is treated as a privately fostered child by virtue of this Article ceases for any other reason to be such a child, the person caring for him at the school shall give written notice of the fact to the appropriate authority.

Advertisements relating to fostering N.I.

115.  No advertisement indicating that a person will undertake, or will arrange for, a child to be privately fostered shall be published, unless it states that person's name and address.

Avoidance of insurances on lives of privately fostered children N.I.

116.  A person who fosters a child privately and for reward shall be deemed for the purposes of the Life Assurance Act 1774F115 as extended by the Life Insurance (Ireland) Act 1866F116 to have no interest in the life of the child.

F115 1774 c. 48

F116 1866 c. 42

Offences N.I.

117.—(1) A person shall be guilty of an offence if—

(a) being required, under any provision made by or under this Part, to give any notice or information—

(i) he fails without reasonable excuse to give the notice within the time specified in that provision; or

(ii) he fails without reasonable excuse to give the information within a reasonable time; or

(iii) he makes, or causes or procures another person to make, any statement in the notice or information which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular;

(b) he refuses to allow a privately fostered child to be visited by a duly authorised officer of an authority;

(c) he intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of the power conferred by Article 108(3);

(d) he contravenes Article 109;

(e) he fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any requirement imposed by an authority under this Part;

(f) he accommodates a privately fostered child in any premises in contravention of a prohibition imposed by an authority under this Part;

(g) he knowingly causes to be published, or publishes, an advertisement which he knows contravenes Article 115.

(2) Where a person contravenes Article 109(3), he shall not be guilty of an offence under this Article if he proves that he did not know, and had no reasonable ground for believing, that any person to whom Article 109(1) applied was living or employed in the premises in question.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(a) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(b), (c) or (g) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(d) or (f) shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(e) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(7) If any person who is required, under any provision of this Part, to give a notice fails to give the notice within the time specified in that provision, proceedings for the offence may be brought at any time within six months from the date when evidence of the offence came to the knowledge of the authority.

(8) Paragraph (7) is not affected by anything in Article 19(1)(a) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981F117 .

F117 1981 NI 26

PART XI N.I. CHILD MINDING AND DAY CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Registration N.I.

118.—(1) Every authority shall keep a register of—

(a) persons who act as child minders on domestic premises within the authority's area; and

(b) persons (other than the authority) who provide day care for children under the age of twelve on premises (other than domestic premises) within that area.

(2) In this Part—

• “domestic premises” means any premises which are wholly or mainly used as a private dwelling;

• “premises” includes a vehicle.

(3) Any register kept under this Article—

(a) shall be open to inspection by members of the public at all reasonable times; and

(b) may be kept by means of a computer.

Persons who act as child minders N.I.

119.—(1) For the purposes of this Part a person acts as a child minder if—

(a) he looks after one or more children under the age of twelve for reward; and

(b) the period, or the total of the periods, which he spends so looking after children in any day exceeds two hours.

(2) A person who—

(a) is the parent, or a relative, of a child;

(b) has parental responsibility for a child; or

(c) is a foster parent of a child,

does not act as a child minder for the purposes of this Part in relation to that child when looking after him.

(3) For the purposes of this Article, a person fosters a child if—

(a) he is an authority foster parent in relation to the child;

(b) he is a foster parent with whom the child has been placed by a voluntary organisation; or

(c) he fosters the child privately.

(4) A person who is employed as a nanny for a child does not act as a child minder when looking after that child wholly or mainly in the home of the person who employs the nanny.

(5) A person who is so employed by two different employers does not act as a child minder when looking after any of the children concerned wholly or mainly in the home of either of the employers.

(6) For the purposes of this Part a person acts as a nanny for a child when employed to look after the child by—

(a) a parent of the child;

(b) a person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for him; or

(c) a person who is a relative of the child and who has assumed responsibility for his care.

Persons who provide day care for children under the age of twelve N.I.

120.—(1) For the purposes of this Part a person does not provide day care for children unless the period, or the total of the periods, during which children are looked after exceeds two hours in any day.

(2) Where a person provides day care for children under the age of twelve on different premises situated within the area of the same authority, that person shall be separately registered with respect to each of those premises.

Exemptions N.I.

121.—(1) Articles 118 to 120 shall not apply in relation to any child while he is looked after in any school which he is attending for the purposes of full-time education.

(2) Article 118(1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any child looked after in—

(a) a home provided under Part VII;

(b) a voluntary home or a registered children's home;

(c) a nursing home or a residential care home;

(d) a hospital administered by a Board or Health and Social Services trust;

(e) a home or other institution not falling within sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) but provided by the Secretary of State, a government department or a prescribed public body.

(3) The exemption provided by paragraph (1) or (2) shall apply only where the child concerned is being looked after in accordance with provision for day care made by—

(a) the Board, trust, department or other person carrying on the establishment in question as part of the establishment's activities; or

(b) a person employed to work at that establishment and authorised to make that provision as part of the establishment's activities.

(4) Where day care for children under the age of twelve is provided in particular premises on less than six days in any year, that provision shall be disregarded for the purposes of Articles 118 to 120 if the person making it has notified the authority in writing before the first occasion on which the premises concerned are so used in that year.

(5) In paragraph (4) “year” means the year beginning with the day on which the day care in question is (after the commencement of that paragraph) first provided in the premises concerned and any subsequent year.

(6) Article 118(1)(b) shall not apply in relation to such supervised activity (within the meaning of Article 19) as may be prescribed.

Disqualified persons N.I.

122.—(1) A person shall not be registered under Article 118 if—

(a) he is disqualified by regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this Article; and

(b) he has not disclosed that fact to the authority and obtained its written consent.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, provide for a person to be disqualified where—

(a) an order of a prescribed kind has been made at any time with respect to him;

(b) an order of a prescribed kind has been made at any time with respect to any child who has been in his care;

(c) a requirement of a prescribed kind has been imposed at any time with respect to such a child under any statutory provision;

(d) he has at any time been refused registration under this Part or any other prescribed statutory provision or had any such registration cancelled;

(e) he has been convicted of any offence of a prescribed kind, or has been placed on probation or discharged absolutely or conditionally for any such offence;

(f) he has at any time been disqualified from fostering a child privately;

(g) a prohibition has been imposed on him at any time under Article 110 or any other prescribed statutory provision; or

(h) his rights and powers with respect to a child have at any time been vested in a prescribed body under a prescribed statutory provision.

(3) A person who lives—

(a) in the same household as a person who is himself disqualified by the regulations; or

(b) in a household at which any such person is employed,

shall be disqualified unless he has disclosed the fact to the authority and obtained its written consent.

(4) A person who is disqualified shall not provide day care, or be concerned in the management of, or have any financial interest in, any provision of day care unless he has—

(a) disclosed the fact to the authority; and

(b) obtained its written consent.

(5) No person shall employ, in connection with the provision of day care, a person who is disqualified, unless he has—

(a) disclosed to the authority the fact that that person is so disqualified; and

(b) obtained its written consent.

(6) In this Article “statutory provision” includes any statutory provision having effect at any time in any part of the United Kingdom.

Application for registration N.I.

123.—(1) On receipt of an application for registration under this Part from any person who is acting, or proposes to act, in any way which requires him to be registered under this Part, an authority shall register him if—

(a) the application is properly made; and

(b) the authority is not otherwise entitled to refuse to register him.

(2) An application for registration under this Part shall be of no effect unless it contains—

(a) a statement with respect to the applicant which complies with the requirements of regulations made for the purposes of this Article by the Department; and

(b) a statement with respect to any person assisting or likely to be assisting in looking after children on the premises in question, or living or likely to be living there, which complies with the requirements of such regulations.

(3) Where a person provides, or proposes to provide, day care for children under the age of twelve on different premises situated within the area of the same authority, he shall make a separate application with respect to each of those premises.

Refusal of registration N.I.

124.—(1) An authority may refuse to register an applicant for registration under Article 118(1)(a) if the authority is satisfied that—

(a) the applicant; or

(b) any person looking after, or likely to be looking after, any children on any premises on which the applicant is, or is likely to be, child minding,

is not fit to look after children under the age of twelve.

(2) An authority may refuse to register an applicant for registration under Article 118(1)(a) if the authority is satisfied that—

(a) any person living, or likely to be living, at any premises on which the applicant is, or is likely to be, child minding; or

(b) any person employed, or likely to be employed, on those premises,

is not fit to be in the proximity of children under the age of twelve.

(3) An authority may refuse to register an applicant for registration under Article 118(1)(b) if the authority is satisfied that any person looking after, or likely to be looking after, any children on the premises to which the application relates is not fit to look after children under the age of twelve.

(4) An authority may refuse to register an applicant for registration under Article 118(1)(b) if the authority is satisfied that—

(a) any person living, or likely to be living, at the premises to which the application relates; or

(b) any person employed, or likely to be employed, on those premises,

is not fit to be in the proximity of children under the age of twelve.

(5) An authority may refuse to register an applicant for registration under this Part if the authority is satisfied—

(a) in the case of an application for registration under Article 118(1)(a), that any premises on which the applicant is, or is likely to be, child minding; or

(b) in the case of an application for registration under Article 118(1)(b), that the premises to which the application relates,

are not fit to be used for looking after children under the age of twelve, whether because of their condition or the condition of any equipment used on the premises or for any reason connected with their situation, construction or size.

Requirements to be complied with by child minders N.I.

125.—(1) Where an authority registers a person under Article 118(1)(a), it shall impose such reasonable requirements on him as it considers appropriate in his case.

(2) In imposing requirements on him, the authority shall—

(a) specify the maximum number of children, or the maximum number of children within specified age groups, whom he may look after when acting as a child minder;

(b) require him to secure that any premises on which he so looks after any child, and the equipment used in those premises, are adequately maintained and kept safe;

(c) require him to keep a record of the name and address of—

(i) any child so looked after by him on any premises within the authority's area;

(ii) any person who assists in looking after any such child; and

(iii) any person living, or likely at any time to be living, at those premises;

(d) require him to notify the authority in writing of any change in the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (c)(ii) and (iii).

(3) The Department may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) requirements which must be imposed by an authority under this Article in prescribed circumstances;

(b) requirements of such descriptions as may be prescribed which must not be imposed by an authority under this Article.

(4) In determining the maximum number of children to be specified under paragraph (2)(a), the authority shall take account of the number of other children who may at any time be on any premises on which the person concerned acts, or is likely to act, as a child minder.

(5) Where, in addition to the requirements mentioned in paragraph (2), an authority imposes other requirements, those other requirements must not be incompatible with any of the paragraph (2) requirements.

(6) An authority may at any time—

(a) vary any requirement imposed under this Article;

(b) impose any additional requirement; or

(c) remove any requirement.

Requirements to be complied with by persons providing day care for young children N.I.

126.—(1) Where an authority registers a person under Article 118(1)(b) it shall impose such reasonable requirements on him as it considers appropriate in his case.

(2) Where a person is registered under Article 118(1)(b) with respect to different premises within the area of the same authority, this Article applies separately in relation to each registration.

(3) In imposing requirements on him, the authority shall—

(a) specify the maximum number of children, or the maximum number of children within specified age groups, who may be looked after on the premises;

(b) require him to secure that the premises, and the equipment used in them, are adequately maintained and kept safe;

(c) require him to notify the authority of any change in the facilities which he provides or in the period during which he provides them;

(d) specify the number of persons required to assist in looking after children on the premises;

(e) require him to keep a record of the name and address of—

(i) any child looked after on the registered premises;

(ii) any person who assists in looking after any such child; and

(iii) any person who lives, or is likely at any time to be living, at those premises;

(f) require him to notify the authority in writing of any change in the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (e)(ii) and (iii).

(4) The Department may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) requirements which must be imposed by an authority under this Article in prescribed circumstances;

(b) requirements of such descriptions as may be prescribed which must not be imposed by an authority under this Article.

(5) In paragraph (3) references to children looked after are to children looked after in accordance with the provision of day care made by the registered person.

(6) In determining the maximum number of children to be specified under paragraph (3)(a), the authority shall take account of the number of other children who may at any time be on the premises.

(7) Where, in addition to the requirements mentioned in paragraph (3), an authority imposes other requirements, those other requirements must not be incompatible with any of the paragraph (3) requirements.

(8) An authority may at any time—

(a) vary any requirement imposed under this Article;

(b) impose any additional requirement; or

(c) remove any requirement.

Certificate of registration N.I.

127.—(1) Where an authority registers a person under Article 118 it shall issue him with a certificate of registration.

(2) The certificate shall specify—

(a) the registered person's name and address;

(b) in a case falling within Article 118(1)(b), the address or situation of the premises concerned; and

(c) any requirements imposed under Article 125 or 126.

(3) Where, due to a change of circumstances, any part of the certificate requires to be amended, the authority shall issue an amended certificate.

(4) Where the authority is satisfied that the certificate has been lost or destroyed, the authority shall issue a copy, on payment by the registered person of such fee as may be determined by the Department.

Cancellation of registration N.I.

128.—(1) An authority may cancel the registration of any person under Article 118(1)(a) if—

(a) it appears to the authority that the circumstances of the case are such that it would be justified in refusing to register that person as a child minder;

(b) the care provided by that person when looking after any child as a child minder is, in the opinion of the authority, seriously inadequate having regard to the needs of that child; or

(c) that person has contravened any requirement imposed on him under Article 125.

(2) An authority may cancel the registration of any person under Article 118(1)(b) with respect to particular premises if—

(a) it appears to the authority that the circumstances of the case are such that it would be justified in refusing to register that person with respect to those premises;

(b) the day care provided by that person on those premises is, in the opinion of the authority, seriously inadequate having regard to the needs of the children concerned; or

(c) that person has contravened any requirement imposed on him under Article 126.

(3) An authority may cancel all registrations of any person under Article 118(1)(b) if it appears to the authority that the circumstances of the case are such that it would be justified in refusing to register that person with respect to any premises.

(4) Where a requirement to carry out repairs or make alterations or additions has been imposed on a registered person under Article 125 or 126, his registration shall not be cancelled on the ground that the premises are not fit to be used for looking after children if—

(a) the time set for complying with the requirement has not expired; and

(b) it is shown that the condition of the premises is due to the repairs not having been carried out or the alterations or additions not having been made.

(5) Any cancellation under this Article must be in writing.

(6) In considering the needs of any child for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b), an authority shall, in particular, have regard to the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.

Protection of children in an emergency N.I.

129.—(1) If—

(a) an authority applies to the court for an order—

(i) cancelling a registered person's registration;

(ii) varying any requirement imposed on a registered person under Article 125 or 126; or

(iii) removing a requirement or imposing an additional requirement on such a person; and

(b) it appears to the court that a child who is being, or may be, looked after by that person, or (as the case may be) in accordance with the provision for day care made by that person, is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm,

the court may make the order.

(2) Any such cancellation, variation, removal or imposition shall take effect immediately the order is made.

(3) An application under paragraph (1) may be made ex parte and shall be supported by a written statement of the authority's reasons for making it.

(4) Where an order is made under this Article, the authority shall serve on the registered person, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the making of the order—

(a) notice of the order and of its terms; and

(b) a copy of the statement of the authority's reasons which supported its application for the order.

(5) Where the court imposes or varies any requirement under paragraph (1), the requirement, or the requirement as varied, shall be treated for all purposes, other than those of Article 131, as if it had been imposed under Article 125 or (as the case may be) 126 by the authority.

Inspection N.I.

130.—(1) Any person authorised to do so by an authority may at any reasonable time enter—

(a) any domestic premises within the authority's area on which child minding is at any time carried on; or

(b) any premises within the authority's area on which day care for children under the age of twelve is at any time provided.

(2) Where an authority has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being looked after on any premises within the authority's area in contravention of this Part, any person authorised to do so by the authority may enter those premises at any reasonable time.

(3) Any person entering premises under this Article may inspect—

(a) the premises;

(b) any children being looked after on the premises;

(c) the arrangements made for their welfare; and

(d) any records relating to them which are kept for the purposes of this Part.

(4) Every authority shall secure that the premises mentioned in paragraph (1) are inspected at least once every year.

(5) Where—

(a) a person is registered under Article 118; and

(b) an annual inspection of the premises in question is to be carried out under this Article,

the authority shall serve on that person a notice informing him that the inspection is to be carried out.

(6) Any person inspecting any records under this Article—

(a) shall be entitled at any reasonable time to have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is, or has been, in use in connection with the records in question; and

(b) may require—

(i) the person by whom or on whose behalf the computer is or has been so used; or

(ii) any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material,

to afford him such reasonable assistance as he may require.

(7) A person exercising any power conferred by this Article shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

Appeals N.I.

131.—(1) Not less than 14 days before—

(a) refusing an application for registration under Article 118;

(b) cancelling any such registration;

(c) refusing consent under Article 122;

(d) imposing, removing or varying any requirement under Article 125 or 126; or

(e) refusing to grant any application for the variation or removal of any such requirement,

an authority shall send to the applicant, or (as the case may be) registered person, notice in writing of the authority's intention to take the step in question ( “the step”).

(2) Every such notice shall—

(a) give the authority's reasons for proposing to take the step; and

(b) inform the person concerned of his rights under this Article.

(3) Where the recipient of such a notice informs the authority in writing of his desire to object to the step being taken, the authority shall afford him an opportunity to do so.

(4) Any objection made under paragraph (3) may be made in person or by a representative.

(5) If the authority, after giving the person concerned an opportunity to object to the step being taken, decides nevertheless to take it the authority shall send him written notice of its decision.

(6) A person aggrieved by the taking of any step mentioned in paragraph (1) may appeal against it to the court.

(7) Where the court imposes or varies any requirement under paragraph (8) or (9) the requirement, or the requirement as varied, shall be treated for all purposes (other than this Article) as if it had been imposed by the authority.

(8) Where the court allows an appeal against the refusal or cancellation of any registration under Article 118 it may impose requirements under Article 125 or (as the case may be) 126.

(9) Where the court allows an appeal against such a requirement it may, instead of cancelling the requirement, vary it.

(10) A step of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) or (d) shall not take effect until the expiry of the time within which an appeal may be brought under this Article or, where such an appeal is brought, before its determination.

Offences N.I.

132.—(1) No person shall provide day care for children under the age of twelve on any premises within the area of an authority unless he is registered by the authority under Article 118(1)(b) with respect to those premises.

(2) If any person contravenes paragraph (1) without reasonable excuse, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) No person shall act as a child minder on domestic premises within the area of an authority unless he is registered by the authority under Article 118(1)(a).

(4) Where it appears to an authority that a person has contravened paragraph (3), the authority may serve a notice ( “an enforcement notice”) on him.

(5) An enforcement notice shall have effect for a period of one year beginning with the date on which it is served.

(6) If a person with respect to whom an enforcement notice is in force contravenes paragraph (3) without reasonable excuse he shall be guilty of an offence.

(7) Paragraph (6) applies whether or not the subsequent contravention occurs within the area of the authority which served the enforcement notice.

(8) Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes any requirement imposed on him under Article 125 or 126 shall be guilty of an offence.

(9) If any person—

(a) acts as a child minder on domestic premises at any time when he is disqualified by regulations made under Article 122; or

(b) provides day care for children under the age of twelve on premises (other than domestic premises) at any time when he is so disqualified; or

(c) contravenes paragraph (3), (4) or (5) of Article 122,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(10) Where a person contravenes paragraph (3) of Article 122 he shall not be guilty of an offence under this Article if he proves that he did not know, and had no reasonable grounds for believing, that the person in question was living or employed in the household.

(11) Where a person contravenes paragraph (5) of Article 122 he shall not be guilty of an offence under this Article if he proves that he did not know, and had no reasonable grounds for believing, that the person whom he was employing was disqualified.

(12) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of any power conferred by Article 130 shall be guilty of an offence.

(13) A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable on summary conviction—

(a) in the case of an offence under paragraph (8), to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;

(b) in the case of an offence under paragraph (9), to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both;

(c) in the case of an offence under paragraph (12), to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale;

(d) in the case of any other offence, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

PART XII N.I. EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN

Introductory N.I.

Interpretation N.I.

133.—(1) In this Part—

• “broadcasting studio” means a studio used in connection with the provision of a programme service;

• “child” means a person who is not over school-leaving age;

• “performance of a dangerous nature” includes all acrobatic performances and all performances as a contortionist;

• “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990F118 ;

• “school-leaving age” means the upper limit of compulsory school age;

• “street trading” includes the hawking of newspapers, matches, flowers and other articles, playing, singing or performing for a profit, shoe-polishing and other similar activities carried on in streets or public places.

(2) For the purposes of this Part a child who assists in a trade or occupation carried on for profit shall be deemed to be employed notwithstanding that he receives no reward for his labour.

F118 1990 c. 42

Exemptions and saving N.I.

134.—(1) The provisions of this Part and of any regulations made under it shall not apply to a child detained in a training school.

(2) The provisions of this Part are in addition to any statutory provision—

(a) relating to the employment of children; or

(b) for giving effect to any international convention regulating employment.

General N.I.

General restrictions on the employment of children N.I.

135.—(1) No child shall be employed—

(a) so long as he is under the age of 13 years; or

(b) before the close of school hours on any day on which he is required to attend school; or

(c) before seven o'clock in the morning or after seven o'clock in the evening on any day; or

(d) for more than two hours on any day on which he is required to attend school,

except in accordance with any statutory provision (including this Part and regulations made under it).

(2) No child shall be employed in any occupation likely to be injurious to his life, limb, health or education, regard being had to his physical condition.

(3) If any education and library board serves on the employer of any child a copy of a certificate signed by a medical practitioner that any specified occupation is likely to be injurious to the life, limb, health or education of the child, the certificate shall be admissible as evidence in any subsequent proceedings against the employer in respect of the employment of the child.

(4) No child shall engage in or be employed in street trading.

Regulations with respect to the employment of children N.I.

136.—(1) The Department may, with the approval of the Department of Education, make regulations with respect to the employment of children and any such regulations may contain provisions—

(a) authorising the employment of children (notwithstanding anything in paragraph (1)(b) of Article 135) for not more than one hour before the commencement of school hours on any day on which they are required to attend school;

(b) specifying the occupations in which children may or may not be employed;

(c) prescribing—

(i) the age below which children are not to be employed;

(ii) the number of hours in each day, or in each week, for which, and the times of day at which, they may be employed;

(iii) the intervals to be allowed to them for meals and rest;

(iv) the holidays or half-holidays to be allowed to them;

(v) any other conditions to be observed in relation to their employment.

(2) Except in so far as is expressly permitted by paragraph (1)(a) and (c)(i), regulations under this Article shall not modify the restrictions contained in Article 135, and any restrictions contained in regulations under this Article shall have effect in addition to the restrictions contained in that Article.

(3) Nothing in Article 135 or in regulations under this Article shall prevent a child from taking part in a performance—

(a) under the authority of a licence granted under this Part; or

(b) in a case where by virtue of paragraph (3) of Article 137 no licence under that Article is required for him to take part in the performance.

Performances N.I.

Restrictions on taking part in public performances, etc. N.I.

137.—(1) A child shall not take part in a performance to which this Article applies unless—

(a) a licence has been granted under Article 138, or

(b) by virtue of paragraph (3), no licence is required.

(2) This Article applies to—

(a) any performance in connection with which a charge is made (whether for admission or otherwise);

(b) any performance in licensed premises within the meaning of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1990F119 , or in any premises in respect of which a club is registered under the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1987F120 ;

(c) any broadcast performance;

(d) any performance not falling within sub-paragraph (c) but included in a programme service;

(e) any performance recorded (by whatever means) with a view to its use in a broadcast or a programme service or in a film intended for public exhibition;

and a child shall be treated for the purposes of this Article as taking part in a performance if he takes the place of a performer in any rehearsal or in any preparation for the recording of the performance.

(3) A licence under Article 138 shall not be required for any child to take part in a performance to which this Article applies if—

(a) in the six months preceding the performance he has not taken part in other performances to which this Article applies on more than three days; or

(b) the performance is given under arrangements made by a school or made by a body of persons approved for the purposes of this Article by the Department of Education or by the education and library board in whose area the performance takes place, and no payment in respect of the child's taking part in the performance is made, whether to him or to any other person, except for defraying expenses;

but the Department of Education may, with the approval of the Department, by regulations prescribe conditions to be observed with respect to the hours of work, rest or meals of children taking part in performances as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a).

F119 1990 NI 6

F120 1987 NI 14

Granting of licences N.I.

138.—(1) The appropriate education and library board may grant a licence for a child to take part in a performance to which Article 137 applies.

(2) The appropriate education and library board referred to in paragraph (1) is—

(a) the education and library board in whose area the child resides; or

(b) if the child does not reside in Northern Ireland, the education and library board in whose area the applicant or one of the applicants resides or has his place of business; or

(c) if the child does not reside in Northern Ireland and the applicant or every applicant neither resides nor has his place of business in Northern Ireland, any education and library board.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the education and library board shall not refuse to grant a licence for a child to take part in a performance or series of performances if the board is satisfied—

(a) that the child is fit to do so; and

(b) that proper provision has been made to secure the child's health and kind treatment; and

(c) that, having regard to such provision, if any, as has been or will be made for the child's education, his education will not suffer.

(4) The education and library board shall not grant a licence in respect of a child who is under the age of 14 unless—

(a) the licence is for acting and the application for the licence is accompanied by a declaration that the part he is to act cannot be taken except by a child of about his age; or

(b) the licence is for dancing in a ballet which does not form part of an entertainment of which anything other than ballet or opera forms part and the application for the licence is accompanied by a declaration that the part he is to dance cannot be taken except by a child of about his age; or

(c) the nature of his part in the performance is wholly or mainly musical and either the nature of the performance is also wholly or mainly musical or the performance consists only of opera or ballet.

(5) The power of the education and library board to grant licences under this Article shall be exercisable subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Department of Education may with the approval of the Department prescribe by regulations, and such conditions may include—

(a) conditions requiring the approval of an education and library board (and may provide for that approval to be given subject to conditions imposed by the board);

(b) a condition requiring sums earned by the child in respect of whom the licence is granted in taking part in a performance to which the licence relates—

(i) to be paid into the county court and, subject to county court rules, applied or otherwise dealt with for the benefit of that child in such manner as the county court may direct, or

(ii) to be applied or otherwise dealt with in a manner approved by the education and library board.

(6) A licence under this Article shall specify the times, if any, during which the child in respect of whom it is granted may be absent from school for the purposes authorised by the licence; and for the purposes of determining whether, under Article 45 of, and Schedule 13 to, the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F121 , a registered pupil of a school has failed to attend regularly at the school, his absence at such times shall be disregarded.

(7) An education and library board which grants a licence under this Article authorising a child to take part in a performance in the area of another education and library board shall send that other board such particulars as the Department of Education may with the approval of the Department prescribe by regulations.

F121 1986 NI 3

Variation and revocation of licences N.I.

139.—(1) A licence under Article 138 may be varied on the application of the person holding it by the appropriate education and library board.

(2) The appropriate education and library board may vary or revoke a licence under Article 138 if—

(a) any condition subject to which the licence was granted is not observed; or

(b) the board is not satisfied as to the matters mentioned in paragraph (3) of that Article,

but before varying or revoking the licence, the board shall give to the holder of the licence such notice, if any, of the board's intentions as may be practicable in the circumstances.

(3) The appropriate education and library board referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) is—

(a) the education and library board which granted the licence; or

(b) any education and library board in whose area the performance or one of the performances to which it relates takes place.

(4) An education and library board which proposes to vary or revoke a licence which was granted by, or relates to a performance in the area of, another education and library board shall, if practicable, consult that other board.

(5) An education and library board which varies or revokes such a licence shall inform that other board.

Requirement to keep and produce records N.I.

140.—(1) The holder of a licence shall keep such records as the Department of Education may, with the approval of the Department, prescribe by regulations.

(2) At any time not later than six months after the performance or last performance to which the licence relates, the holder of the licence shall on request produce the records to an officer of the education and library board which granted, or any education and library board which varied, the licence.

Dangerous performances N.I.

Performances endangering life or limb N.I.

141.  No child shall take part in any performance to which Article 137 applies and in which his life or limbs are endangered.

Training for performances of a dangerous nature N.I.

142.  No child under the age of twelve shall be trained to take part in performances of a dangerous nature.

Licensing of training children over twelve for performances of a dangerous nature N.I.

143.—(1) The appropriate education and library board may grant a licence for a child who is not under the age of twelve to be trained to take part in performances of a dangerous nature and no such child shall be so trained except under and in accordance with the terms of a licence under this Article.

(2) The appropriate education and library board referred to in paragraph (1) is—

(a) the education and library board in whose area the child resides; or

(b) the education and library board in whose area the place or any of the places at which the child is to be trained is situate.

(3) The education and library board shall not refuse to grant a licence under this Article if the board is satisfied—

(a) that the child is fit and willing to be trained; and

(b) that proper provision has been made to secure his health and kind treatment.

(4) A licence under this Article shall—

(a) specify the place or places at which the child is to be trained;

(b) contain such conditions as the education and library board considers necessary for the child's protection.

(5) The education and library board by which a licence under this Article is granted may vary or revoke the licence—

(a) if any condition subject to which the licence was granted is not observed; or

(b) if it appears to the board that—

(i) the child is no longer fit and willing to be trained; or

(ii) proper provision is no longer being made to secure his health and kind treatment,

but before varying or revoking the licence, the board shall give to the holder of the licence such notice, if any, of the board's intentions as may be practicable in the circumstances.

Supplementary N.I.

Notice of refusal of licence, etc. N.I.

144.—(1) This paragraph applies where an education and library board—

(a) refuses an application for a licence under this Part; or

(b) revokes such a licence; or

(c) in the case of a licence under Article 138—

(i) varies it otherwise than on the application of the holder, or

(ii) in granting it or in giving approval under paragraph (5)(a) of that Article imposes any conditions otherwise than with the consent of the applicant or holder;

(d) in the case of a licence under Article 143—

(i) varies it, or

(ii) in granting it, imposes any conditions otherwise than with the consent of the applicant.

(2) Where paragraph (1) applies, the education and library board shall serve a notice on the applicant or holder of the licence informing him of—

(a) the board's reasons for acting as described in paragraph (1); and

(b) his right of appeal under Article 145.

Appeal against refusal of licence, etc. N.I.

145.—(1) The applicant or holder of a licence may, where Article 144(1) applies, appeal to the court.

(2) An appeal shall not be brought under paragraph (1) by the applicant or holder of a licence more than 28 days after the service on him of the notice required by Article 144(2).

Powers of entry N.I.

146.—(1) Where, on an application made by any person for a warrant under this Article, it appears to the court that there is reasonable cause to believe that the provisions of this Part or of any regulations made or licences granted under this Part are being contravened with respect to any child, the court may issue a warrant authorising any officer of an education and library board or any constable to enter, at any reasonable time within 48 hours of the issue of the warrant, any place in or in connection with which the child in question is, or is believed to be, employed or taking part in a performance, or being trained, and to make inquiries there with respect to that child.

(2) Any authorised officer of an education and library board or any constable may—

(a) at any time enter any place used—

(i) as a broadcasting studio or film studio; or

(ii) for the recording of a performance with a view to its use in a programme service or in a film intended for public exhibition,

and make inquiries there as to any children taking part in performances to which Article 137 applies;

(b) at any time during the currency of a licence granted under Article 138 or 143 enter any place (whether or not it is such a place as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (a)) where the child to whom the licence relates is authorised by the licence to take part in a performance or to be trained, and make inquiries there with respect to that child.

(3) A person (other than a constable in uniform) exercising any power of entry conferred by this Article shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(4) An application for a warrant under this Article shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by rules of court.

Offences N.I.

147.—(1) Any person who employs a child in contravention of—

(a) Article 135; or

(b) regulations under Article 136,

and any person (other than the child) to whose act or default the contravention is attributable shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Any person who—

(a) causes or procures a child; or

(b) being his parent, allows a child,

to take part in any performance in contravention of Article 137 or 141 or to be trained to take part in performances of a dangerous nature in contravention of Article 142 or 143 shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) In paragraph (2)(b) “parent” includes—

(a) any person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for him; and

(b) any person who has care of the child.

(4) Any person who—

(a) fails to observe—

(i) any condition subject to which a licence under this Part is granted; or

(ii) any condition prescribed under Article 137(3); or

(b) in or in connection with an application for a licence under this Part or for the variation of a licence under Article 139, knowingly or recklessly makes any statement which is false in a material particular or in a material respect misleading;

(c) fraudulently alters or uses, or permits to be fraudulently altered or used—

(i) any licence under this Part; or

(ii) any record which he is required to keep under Article 140;

(d) fails to keep or produce any record which he is required to keep or produce under Article 140,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) Where the commission by any person of an offence under paragraph (1) is due to an act or default of some other person, that other person may be charged with and convicted of the offence whether or not proceedings are taken against the first-mentioned person.

(6) Any person who is guilty of an offence under paragraph (1), (2) or (4) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(7) The court by which the holder or one of the holders of a licence under this Part is sentenced for an offence under paragraph (2) or (4) may revoke the licence.

(8) Any child who engages in street trading in contravention of Article 135(4) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.

(9) Any person who intentionally obstructs any officer of an education and library board or any constable in the exercise of any powers conferred on him by or under Article 146 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

Defences N.I.

148.—(1) Where a person is charged with the commission of an offence under Article 147(1) and it is proved—

(a) that the commission of the offence was due to an act or default of some other person; and

(b) that the person charged took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence by him or any person under his control,

then, subject to paragraph (2), the person charged shall be acquitted of the offence.

(2) The person charged as described in paragraph (1) shall not be entitled to be acquitted under that paragraph unless not more than 14 days after the date of the service of the summons on him nor less than seven days before the date of the hearing he has given notice in writing to the complainant of his intention to rely on the provisions of that paragraph, specifying the name and address of the person to whose act or default he alleges the commission of the offence was due, and has sent a like notice to that person; and that person shall be entitled to appear at the hearing and to give evidence.

(3) In any proceedings for an offence under Article 147(2) alleged to have been committed by causing, procuring or allowing a child to take part in a performance without a licence in contravention of Article 137, it shall be a defence to prove that the person charged believed that the condition specified in Article 137(3)(a) was satisfied and that he had reasonable grounds for that belief.

PART XIII N.I. DEPARTMENT'S SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspection of children's homes, etc., by Department N.I.

149.—(1) The Department may cause to be inspected—

(a) any children's home;

(b) any premises in which a child who is being looked after by an authority is living;

(c) any premises in which a child who is being accommodated by or on behalf of an education and library board or voluntary organisation is living;

(d) any premises in which a privately fostered child, or child who is treated as a foster child by virtue of Article 114 (application of Part X to certain school children during holidays), is living or in which it is proposed that he will live;

(e) any premises on which any person is acting as a child minder;

(f) any premises with respect to which a person is registered under Article 118(1)(b) (day care);

(g) any of the following if used to accommodate children—

(i) a residential care home,

(ii) a nursing home,

(iii) a hospital (including a private hospital);

(h) any premises which are provided by an authority and in which any service is provided by that authority under Part IV;

(i) any school providing accommodation for any child.

(2) An inspection under this Article shall be conducted by a person authorised to do so by the Department.

(3) An officer of an authority shall not be so authorised except with the consent of that authority.

(4) The Department may require any person mentioned in paragraph (5) to furnish the Department with such information, or allow any person authorised by the Department to inspect such records (in whatever form they are held), relating to—

(a) any premises to which paragraph (1) applies;

(b) any child who is living in any such premises;

(c) any person who is living in or is employed in any such premises;

(d) the discharge by the Department of any of its functions under this Order; or

(e) the discharge by any authority of any of its functions under this Order,

as the Department may at any time direct.

(5) The persons are—

(a) any Board or Health and Social Services trust;

(b) any voluntary organisation;

(c) any person carrying on a children's home;

(d) any managers of a school;

(e) any person fostering any privately fostered child or providing accommodation for a child on behalf of an authority, an education and library board or a voluntary organisation;

(f) any education and library board providing accommodation for any child;

(g) any person employed in a school at which a child is accommodated by or on behalf of an authority or an education and library board;

(h) any person who is the occupier of any premises in which any person acts as a child minder (within the meaning of Part XI) or provides day care for young children (within the meaning of that Part);

(i) any person carrying on any home or hospital of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(g).F122

F122 prosp. added by 2003 NI 9

Powers of persons authorised by Department N.I.

150.—(1) Any person inspecting any home or other premises under Article 149 may—

(a) inspect the children there; and

(b) make such examination into the state and management of the home or premises and the treatment of the children there as he thinks fit.

(2) Any person authorised by the Department to exercise the power to inspect records conferred by Article 149(4)—

(a) shall be entitled at any reasonable time to have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been in use in connection with the records in question; and

(b) may require—

(i) the person by whom or on whose behalf the computer is or has been so used; or

(ii) any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material,

to afford him such reasonable assistance as he may require.

(3) A person authorised to inspect any premises under Article 149 may enter the premises for that purpose, and for any purpose specified in paragraph (4) of that Article, at any reasonable time.

(4) Any person exercising that power shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(5) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of that power shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Power to exempt children's homes, etc., from inspection N.I.

151.—(1) The Department may by order provide that Articles 149 and 150 shall not apply in relation to particular homes or premises specified in the order.

(2) Orders under paragraph (1) shall be subject to negative resolution.

Art. 152 rep. by 2005 c. 12

Child care training N.I.

153.—(1) The Department shall keep under review the adequacy of the provision of child care training and may, subject to such conditions as it may determine—

(a) make grants towards any fees or expenses incurred by, or

(b) defray or contribute towards the cost of maintenance of,

persons undergoing child care training.

(2) The Department shall receive and consider any information from or representations made by—

[F123 (a) the Northern Ireland Social Care Council;]

(b) any authority; or

(c) such other persons or organisations as appear to the Department to be appropriate,

concerning the provision of child care training.

(3) In this Article “child care training” means training for persons with a view to, or in the course of, their employment or the use of their services in the health and personal social services for the purposes of this Order or the Adoption Order or by a voluntary organisation for similar purposes.

F123 2003 NI 9

Research and information N.I.

154.—(1) The Department may conduct or promote or assist (by grants or otherwise) any person in conducting research or investigations into any matter connected with the functions under this Order of the Department, authorities or, with the consent of the Department of Education, education and library boards.

(2) The Department of Education may conduct or promote or assist (by grants or otherwise) any person in conducting research or investigations into any matter connected with the functions under this Order of education and library boards.

(3) Every authority shall, at such times and in such form as the Department may direct, transmit to the Department such particulars as the Department may require with respect to—

(a) the performance by the authority of all or any of its functions—

(i) under this Order; or

(ii) in connection with the accommodation of children in residential care homes, nursing homes or private hospitals; and

(b) the children in relation to whom the authority has exercised those functions.

PART XIV N.I. PARENTS NOT MARRIED TO EACH OTHER

Parents not being married to each other to have no effect in law on relationships N.I.

155.—(1) In this Order and in any statutory provision or any instrument passed or made after the commencement of this Article, references (however expressed) to any relationship between two persons shall be construed without regard to whether or not the father and mother of either of them or the father and mother of any person through whom the relationship is deduced, have or had been married to each other at any time.

(2) In this Order and in any statutory provision passed or made after the commencement of this Article—

(a) references to a person whose father and mother were married to each other at the time of his birth include, and

(b) references to a person whose father and mother were not married to each other at the time of his birth do not include,

references to any person to whom paragraph (3) applies.

(3) This paragraph applies to any person who—

(a) is treated as legitimate by virtue of section 1 of the Legitimacy Act (Northern Ireland) 1961F124 ;

(b) is a legitimated person within the meaning of Article 32 of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1989F125 ;

(c) is an adopted child within the meaning of Part V of the Adoption Order; or

(d) is otherwise treated in law as legitimate.

(4) For the purpose of construing references falling within paragraph (2), the time of a person's birth shall be taken to include any time during the period beginning with—

(a) the insemination resulting in his birth; or

(b) where there was no such insemination, his conception,

and (in either case) ending with his birth.

(5) Paragraphs (1) and (2) have effect subject to any contrary intention.

F124 1961 c. 5 (NI)

F125 1989 NI 4

Application of principle to certain existing statutory provisions N.I.

156.  The Department of Finance and Personnel may by order make provision for the construction in accordance with Article 155 of such statutory provisions passed or made before the commencement of that Article as may be specified in the order, but an order under this Article shall so amend the statutory provisions to which it relates as to secure that (so far as practicable) they continue to have the same effect notwithstanding the making of the order.

Property rights N.I.

157.  Schedule 6 (which contains provisions relating to property rights where the parents of a child were not married to each other at the time of his birth) shall have effect.

Repeal of Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act (Northern Ireland) 1924 N.I.

158.  The Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act (Northern Ireland) 1924F126 shall cease to have effect.

F126 1924 c. 27 (NI)

PART XV N.I. GUARDIANS

Appointment by court N.I.

159.—(1) Where an application with respect to a child is made by any individual, the High Court or a county court may by order appoint that individual to be the child's guardian if—

(a) the child has no parent with parental responsibility for him; or

(b) a residence order has been made with respect to the child in favour of a parent or guardian of his who has died while the order was in force.

(2) The power conferred by paragraph (1) may also be exercised in any family proceedings by the High Court or a county court if it considers that the order should be made even though no application has been made for it.

(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the residence order referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph was also made in favour of a surviving parent of the child.

(4) A person appointed as a guardian under this Article shall have parental responsibility for the child concerned.

(5) Subject to any provision made by rules of court, the High Court shall not exercise its inherent jurisdiction to appoint a guardian of the fortune or estate of any child.

(6) Where rules are made under paragraph (5), they may prescribe the circumstances in which, and conditions subject to which, an appointment of such a guardian may be made.

(7) A guardian may only be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Article or Article 160.

Appointment by parent or guardian N.I.

160.—(1) A parent who has parental responsibility for his child may appoint another individual to be the child's guardian in the event of his death.

(2) A guardian of a child may appoint another individual to take his place as the child's guardian in the event of his death.

(3) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) shall not have effect unless it is made—

(a) by will or by deed; or

(b) by a written and dated instrument which is signed—

(i) by the person making the appointment, or

(ii) at his direction, in his presence and in the presence of two witnesses each of whom attests the signature.

(4) A person appointed as a guardian under this Article shall have parental responsibility for the child concerned.

(5) Where—

(a) on the death of any person making an appointment under paragraph (1) or (2), the child concerned has no parent with parental responsibility for him; or

(b) immediately before the death of any person making such an appointment, a residence order in his favour was in force with respect to the child,

the appointment shall take effect on the death of that person.

(6) Where, on the death of any person making an appointment under paragraph (1) or (2)—

(a) the child concerned has a parent with parental responsibility for him; and

(b) paragraph (5)(b) does not apply,

the appointment shall take effect when the child no longer has a parent who has parental responsibility for him.

(7) Paragraph (5) shall not apply if the residence order referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph was also made in favour of a surviving parent of the child.

(8) Nothing in this Article shall be taken to prevent an appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) being made by two or more persons acting jointly.

Revocation of appointment by parent or guardian N.I.

161.—(1) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 revokes an earlier such appointment (including one made in an unrevoked will) made by the same person in respect of the same child, unless it is clear (whether as the result of an express provision in the later appointment or by any necessary implication) that the purpose of the later appointment is to appoint an additional guardian.

(2) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 (including one made in an unrevoked will) is revoked if the person who made the appointment revokes it by a written and dated instrument which is signed—

(a) by him; or

(b) at his direction, in his presence and in the presence of two witnesses each of whom attests the signature.

(3) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 (other than one made in a will) is revoked if, with the intention of revoking the appointment, the person who made it—

(a) destroys the instrument by which it was made; or

(b) has some other person destroy that instrument in his presence.

(4) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 made in a will is revoked if the will is revoked.

(5) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 (including one made in an unrevoked will) is revoked if—

(a) the marriage of the person who made the appointment is dissolved or annulled, and

(b) the person appointed is his former spouse.

(6) Paragraph (5) is subject to a contrary intention appearing from the appointment.

(7) In paragraph (5)—

• “dissolved or annulled” means—

  (a)

  dissolved by a decree of divorce or annulled by a decree of nullity of marriage granted under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands or under the law of the Isle of Man, or

  (b)

  dissolved or annulled in any country or territory outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man by a divorce or annulment which is entitled to be recognised as valid by the law of Northern Ireland;

• “former spouse” means the person whose marriage with the person who made the appointment was so dissolved or annulled.

[F127 (8) An appointment under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 (including one made in an unrevoked will) is revoked if—

(a) the civil partnership of the person who made the appointment is dissolved or annulled, and

(b) the person appointed is his former civil partner.

(9) Paragraph (8) is subject to a contrary intention appearing from the appointment.

(10) In paragraph (8) “dissolved or annulled” means—

(a) dissolved by a dissolution order or annulled by a nullity order under Part 4 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, or

(b) dissolved or annulled in any country or territory outside Northern Ireland by a dissolution or annulment which is entitled to recognition in Northern Ireland by virtue of Chapter 3 of Part 5 of that Act.]

F127 2004 c. 33

Disclaimer of appointment by parent or guardian N.I.

162.—(1) A person who is appointed as a guardian under paragraph (1) or (2) of Article 160 may disclaim his appointment by an instrument in writing signed by him and made within a reasonable time of his first knowing that the appointment has taken effect.

(2) Where regulations are made by the Department of Finance and Personnel prescribing the manner in which such disclaimers must be recorded, no such disclaimer shall have effect unless it is recorded in the prescribed manner.

Termination by court N.I.

163.—(1) Any appointment of a guardian under Article 159 or 160 may be brought to an end at any time by order of the court—

(a) on the application of any person who has parental responsibility for the child;

(b) on the application of the child concerned, with leave of the court; or

(c) in any family proceedings, if the court considers that it should be brought to an end even though no application has been made.

(2) In paragraph (1) “the court” means the High Court and, except in relation to any appointment of a guardian under Article 159 by the High Court, a county court.

PART XVI N.I. JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Jurisdiction N.I.

164.—(1) In this Order “the court” means the High Court, a county court or a court of summary jurisdiction.

(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to the provision made by or under Schedule 7 and to any express provision as to the jurisdiction of any court made by any other provision of this Order.

(3) A court of summary jurisdiction shall not be competent to entertain any application, or make any order, involving the administration or application of—

(a) any property belonging to or held in trust for a child; or

(b) the income of any such property.

(4) A juvenile court (that is to say, a court of summary jurisdiction constituted in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968)F128 sitting for the purpose of exercising any jurisdiction conferred by or under this Order may be known as a family proceedings court.

(5) Schedule 7 which makes provision, including provision for the Lord Chancellor to make orders, principally with respect to the jurisdiction of courts in proceedings under this Order, shall have effect.

F128 1968 c. 34 (NI)

Rules of court N.I.

165.—(1) An authority having power to make rules of court may make such provision for giving effect to—

(a) this Order;

(b) the provisions of any regulations or order made under this Order; or

(c) any amendment made by this Order in any other statutory provision,

as appears to that authority to be necessary or expedient.

(2) The rules may, in particular, make provision—

(a) with respect to the procedure to be followed in any relevant proceedings (including the manner in which any application is to be made or other proceedings commenced);

(b) as to the persons entitled to participate in any relevant proceedings, whether as parties to the proceedings or by being given the opportunity to make representations to the court;

(c) with respect to the documents and information to be furnished, and notices to be given, in connection with any relevant proceedings;

(d) applying (with or without modification) statutory provisions which govern proceedings brought on a complaint made to a court of summary jurisdiction to relevant proceedings in such a court brought otherwise than on a complaint or disapplying or modifying such statutory provisions in relation to relevant proceedings in a court of summary jurisdiction which would otherwise be brought on a complaint;

(e) with respect to preliminary hearings;

(f) for the service outside Northern Ireland, in such circumstances and in such manner as may be prescribed, of any notice of proceedings in a court of summary jurisdiction;

(g) for the exercise by a court of summary jurisdiction, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, of such powers as may be prescribed (even though a party to the proceedings in question is or resides outside Northern Ireland);

(h) enabling the court, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, to proceed on any application even though the respondent has not been given notice of the proceedings;

(i) authorising a resident magistrate or a[F129 lay magistrate] to discharge the functions of a court of summary jurisdiction with respect to such relevant proceedings as may be prescribed;

(j) authorising a court of summary jurisdiction to order any of the parties to such relevant proceedings as may be prescribed, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, to pay the whole or part of the costs of all or any of the other parties.

(3) In paragraph (2)—

• “notice of proceedings” means a summons or such other notice of proceedings as is required; and “given”, in relation to a summons, means “served”;

• “prescribed” means prescribed by the rules; and

• “relevant proceedings” means any application made, or proceedings brought, under any of the provisions mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph (1) and any part of such proceedings.

(4) This Article and any other power in this Order to make rules of court are not to be taken as in any way limiting any other power of the authority in question to make rules of court.

(5) When making any rules under this Article an authority shall be subject to the same requirements as to consultation (if any) as apply when the authority makes rules under its general rule making power.

F129 2002 c.26

Appeals N.I.

166.—(1) Subject to any express provisions to the contrary made by or under this Order, an appeal shall lie to the High Court against—

(a) the making by a county court of any order under this Order; or

(b) any refusal by a county court to make such an order,

as if the decision had been made in the exercise of the jurisdiction conferred by Part III of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980F130 and the appeal were brought under Article 60 of that Order.

(2) An appeal shall not lie to the High Court under paragraph (1)—

(a) on an appeal from a court of summary jurisdiction; or

(b) where the county court is a divorce county court exercising jurisdiction under the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978F131 in the same proceedings[F132 or

(c) where the county court is a civil partnership proceedings county court exercising jurisdiction under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 in the same proceedings

].

(3) Subject to any express provisions to the contrary made by or under this Order, an appeal shall lie to the county court against—

(a) the making by a court of summary jurisdiction of any order under this Order; or

(b) any refusal by a court of summary jurisdiction to make such an order.

(4) If the court of summary jurisdiction referred to in paragraph (3) is a family proceedings court—

(a) the county court to which the appeal under that paragraph lies shall be such county court as may be specified for the purposes of this paragraph;

(b) section 178 of the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 shall not apply where such a county court deals with such an appeal;

and in sub-paragraph (a) “specified” has the meaning given in paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 7.

(5) Where a court of summary jurisdiction has power, in relation to any proceedings under this Order, to decline jurisdiction because it considers that the case can more conveniently be dealt with by another court, no appeal shall lie against any exercise of that power by that court of summary jurisdiction.

(6) No appeal shall lie in relation to an interim order for periodical payments made under Schedule 1.

(7) In paragraphs (8) to (13) “appellate court” means the High Court or the county court as the case may be.

(8) On an appeal under this Article, the appellate court may make such orders as may be necessary to give effect to its determination of the appeal.

(9) Where an order is made under paragraph (8) the appellate court may also make such incidental or consequential orders as appear to it to be just.

(10) Where an appeal under this Article relates to an order for the making of periodical payments, the appellate court may order that its determination of the appeal shall have effect from such date as it thinks fit to specify in the order.

(11) The date so specified must not be earlier than the earliest date allowed in accordance with rules of court made for the purposes of this Article.

(12) Where, on an appeal under this Article in respect of an order requiring a person to make periodical payments, the appellate court reduces the amount of those payments or discharges the order—

(a) it may order the person entitled to the payments to pay to the person making them such sum in respect of payments already made as that court thinks fit; and

(b) if any arrears are due under the order for periodical payments, it may remit payment of the whole, or part, of those arrears.

(13) Any order of the appellate court made on an appeal under this Article (other than one directing that an application be re-heard by the county court or a court of summary jurisdiction) shall, for the purposes—

(a) of the enforcement of the order; and

(b) of any power to vary, revive or discharge orders,

be treated as if it were an order of the court from which the appeal was brought and not an order of the appellate court.

(14) The Lord Chancellor mayF133 by order make provision as to the circumstances in which appeals may be made against decisions taken by courts on questions arising in connection with the transfer, or proposed transfer, of proceedings by virtue of any order under paragraph 2 of Schedule 7.

(15) Except to the extent provided for in any order made under paragraph (14), no appeal may be made against any decision of a kind mentioned in that paragraph.

F130 1980 NI 3

F131 1978 NI 15

F132 2004 c. 33

F133 prosp. insertion by 2005 c. 4

Attendance of child and his parents, etc., at hearing under Part V or VI N.I.

167.—(1) In any proceedings in which a court is hearing an application for an order under Part V or VI, or is considering whether to make any such order, the court may order the child concerned to attend such stage or stages of the proceedings as may be specified in the order.

(2) In any proceedings in which a court is hearing an application for an order under Part V or VI, or is considering whether to make any such order, the court may order any person who is a parent of the child concerned or who has parental responsibility for or care of him to attend such stage or stages of the proceedings as may be specified in the order.

(3) The powers conferred by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be exercised in accordance with rules of court.

(4) Paragraphs (5) to (7) apply where—

(a) an order under paragraph (1) has not been complied with; or

(b) the court has reasonable cause to believe that it will not be complied with.

(5) The court may make an order authorising a constable, or such person as may be specified in the order—

(a) to take charge of the child and to bring him to the court; and

(b) to enter and search any premises specified in the order if he has reasonable cause to believe that the child may be found on the premises.

(6) The court may order any person who is in a position to do so to bring the child to the court.

(7) Where the court has reason to believe that a person has information about the whereabouts of the child it may order him to disclose it to the court.

Power to clear court while child is giving evidence in certain proceedings N.I.

168.—(1) Where in any proceedings other than criminal proceedings the court considers that the evidence of a child is likely to involve matter of an indecent or immoral nature, the court may direct that during the taking of the evidence of that child all or any persons, not being members or officers of the court or parties to the case, their counsel or solicitors, or persons otherwise directly concerned in the case, be excluded from the court.

(2) The powers conferred on a court by paragraph (1) shall be in addition and without prejudice to any other powers of the court to hear proceedings in private or to exclude a witness until his evidence is required.

Evidence given by, or with respect to, children N.I.

169.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in relation to any oath administered to and taken by a child in any civil proceedings, section 1 of the Oaths Act 1978F134 shall have effect as if the words “I promise before Almighty God” were set out in it instead of the words “I swear by Almighty God that”.

(2) Where, in any oath otherwise duly administered to and taken by any person in any civil proceedings, either of the forms mentioned in paragraph (1) is used instead of the other, the oath shall nevertheless be deemed to have been duly administered and taken.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where a child who is called as a witness in any civil proceedings does not, in the opinion of the court, understand the nature of an oath.

(4) The child's evidence may be heard by the court if, in its opinion—

(a) he understands that it is his duty to speak the truth; and

(b) he has sufficient understanding to justify his evidence being heard.

(5) The Lord Chancellor mayF135 by order make provision for the admissibility of evidence which would otherwise be inadmissible under any rule of law relating to hearsay.

(6) An order under paragraph (5) may only be made with respect to—

(a) civil proceedings in general or such civil proceedings as may be prescribed; and

(b) evidence in connection with the upbringing, maintenance or welfare of a child.

(7) An order under paragraph (5)—

(a) may, in particular, provide for the admissibility of statements which are made orally or in a prescribed form or which are recorded by any prescribed method of recording; and

(b) may make such amendments and repeals in any statutory provision relating to evidence (other than in this Order) as the Lord Chancellor considers necessary or expedient in consequence of the provision made by the order.

(8) In this Article—

• [F136 “civil proceedings” means civil proceedings, before any court or other tribunal, in relation to which the strict rules of evidence apply, whether as a matter of law or by agreement of the parties, and “court” means any such court or tribunal;] and

• “prescribed” means prescribed by an order under paragraph (5).

F134 1978 c. 19

F135 prosp. insertion by 2005 c. 4

F136 1997 NI 21

Privacy for children involved in certain proceedings N.I.

170.—(1) Rules of court may make provision for the court to sit in private in proceedings in which any powers under this Order may be exercised by the court with respect to any child.

(2) No person shall publish any material which is intended, or likely, to identify—

(a) any child as being involved in any proceedings in which any power under this Order may be exercised by the court with respect to that or any other child; or

(b) an address or school as being that of a child involved in any such proceedings.

(3) In any proceedings for an offence under this Article it shall be a defence for a person to prove that he did not know, and had no reason to suspect, that the published material was intended, or likely, to identify the child.

(4) The court may, if satisfied that the welfare of the child requires it, by order dispense with the requirements of paragraph (2) to such extent as may be specified in the order.

(5) The Lord Chancellor may, if satisfied that the welfare of the child requires itF137 , make a direction dispensing with the requirements of paragraph (2) to such extent as may be specified in the direction.

(6) This paragraph applies to any proceedings other than criminal proceedings or proceedings to which paragraph (2) applies.

(7) In relation to any proceedings to which paragraph (6) applies, the court may direct that no person shall publish any material which is intended, or likely, to identify—

(a) any child as being involved in those proceedings; or

(b) an address or school as being that of a child involved in any such proceedings,

except in so far (if at all) as may be permitted by the direction of the court.

(8) For the purposes of this Article—

• “publish” includes—

  (a)

  include in a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990F138 );

  (b)

  cause to be published; and

• “material” includes any picture or representation.

(9) Any person who contravenes this Article shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(10) Paragraph (1) is without prejudice to—

(a) the generality of any other power to make rules of court; or

(b) any other power of the court to sit in private.

(11) Articles 89 and 90 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981F139 (domestic proceedings—sitting of court and newspaper reports) shall apply in relation to any proceedings to which this Article applies subject to the provisions of this Article.

F137 prosp. insertion by 2005 c. 4

F138 1990 c. 42

F139 1981 NI 26

Self-incrimination N.I.

171.—(1) In any proceedings in which a court is hearing an application for an order under Part V or VI, no person shall be excused from—

(a) giving evidence on any matter; or

(b) answering any question put to him in the course of his giving evidence,

on the ground that doing so might incriminate him or his spouse of an offence.

(2) A statement or admission made in such proceedings shall not be admissible in evidence against the person making it or his spouse[F140 or civil partner] in proceedings for an offence other than perjury.

F140 2004 c. 33

F141 Legal aid, advice and assistance N.I.

172.—(1) The Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981F142 shall be amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) In Article 5 (representation in proceedings), after paragraph (4) there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(4A) Without prejudice to paragraphs (3) and (4), regulations may make provision in relation to assistance by way of representation for purposes corresponding to those of Article 10(5A) to (5E) (legal aid for proceedings under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995).” .

(3) In Article 10 (scope and general conditions of legal aid), after paragraph (5) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—

“(5A) Legal aid shall not be available—

(a) to any Health and Social Services Board; or

(b) to any Health and Social Services trust; or

(c) to any other prescribed body; or

(d) to a guardian ad litem,

for the purposes of any proceedings under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

(5B) Regardless of paragraphs (4) and (5) and Articles 9 and 12, legal aid must be granted where a child who is brought before a court under Article 44 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (secure accommodation) is not, but wishes to be, legally represented before the court.

(5C) Subject to paragraph (5A) but regardless of paragraphs (4) and (5) and Articles 9 and 12, legal aid must be granted to the child in respect of whom the application is made, to any parent of such a child and to any person with parental responsibility for him within the meaning of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to cover proceedings relating to an application for the following orders under that Order—

(a) an order under Article 50 (a care or supervision order);

(b) an order under Article 62 (a child assessment order);

(c) an order under Article 63 (an emergency protection order); or

(d) an order under Article 64 (extension or discharge of an emergency protection order).

(5D) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) but regardless of Articles 9 and 12, legal aid must be granted to cover proceedings relating to an appeal against an order made under Article 50 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to a person who has been granted legal aid by virtue of paragraph (5C).

(5E) Subject to paragraph (5A) and Articles 9 and 12 but regardless of paragraphs (4) and (5), legal aid must be granted where a person applies to be or has been joined as a party to any of the proceedings mentioned in paragraph (5C).” .

(4) The Lord Chancellor may by order make—

(a) such further amendments in the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 as he considers necessary or expedient in consequence of any provision made by or under this Order;

(b) such transitional and saving provisions as appear to him to be necessary or expedient in consequence of any provision made by or under this Order in connection with the operation of any provisions of the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (including any provision amended by this Article).

F141 prosp. rep. by 2003 NI 10

F142 1981 NI 8

Restrictions on use of wardship jurisdiction N.I.

173.—(1) The court shall not exercise its inherent jurisdiction with respect to children—

(a) so as to require a child to be placed in the care, or put under the supervision, of a Board or Health and Social Services trust;

(b) so as to require a child to be accommodated by or on behalf of a Board or Health and Social Services trust;

(c) so as to make a child who is the subject of a care order a ward of court; or

(d) for the purpose of conferring on any Board or Health and Social Services trust power to determine any question which has arisen, or which may arise, in connection with any aspect of parental responsibility for a child.

(2) No application for any exercise of the court's inherent jurisdiction with respect to children may be made by an authority unless the authority has obtained the leave of the court.

(3) The court may only grant leave if it is satisfied that—

(a) the result which the authority wishes to achieve could not be achieved through the making of any order of a kind to which paragraph (4) applies; and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that if the court's inherent jurisdiction is not exercised with respect to the child he is likely to suffer significant harm.

(4) This paragraph applies to any order—

(a) made otherwise than in the exercise of the court's inherent jurisdiction; and

(b) which the authority is entitled to apply for (assuming, in the case of any application which may only be made with leave, that leave is granted).

(5) In this Article “the court” means the High Court.

PART XVII N.I. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

Children accommodated in certain establishments N.I.

Children accommodated in hospitals N.I.

174.—(1) Where a child is provided with accommodation in a hospital administered by a Board—

(a) for a consecutive period of at least three months; or

(b) with the intention, on the part of the Board, of accommodating him for such a period,

the Board shall notify the responsible authority.

(2) Where a child is provided with accommodation in a hospital administered by a Health and Social Services trust—

(a) for a consecutive period of at least three months; or

(b) with the intention, on the part of the trust, of accommodating him for such a period,

the trust shall notify the responsible authority.

(3) Where paragraph (1) or (2) applies, the Board or trust shall also notify the responsible authority when the child ceases to be accommodated in the hospital.

(4) Paragraphs (1) to (3) shall not apply where the Board or trust is the responsible authority.

(5) In this Article “the responsible authority” means—

(a) the authority appearing to the Board or trust to be the authority within whose area the child was ordinarily resident immediately before being accommodated in that hospital; or

(b) where it appears to the Board or trust that the child was not resident within the area of any authority, the authority within whose area the hospital is situated.

(6) Where an authority has been notified under this Article or would but for paragraph (4) have been notified under this Article, it shall—

(a) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to enable it to determine whether the child's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted while he is accommodated by the Board or trust; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) any functions under this Order should be exercised with respect to the child by it or another Board or trust.

(7) A person authorised by an authority may enter a hospital for the purpose of establishing whether the requirements of this Article have been complied with.

(8) Any person exercising the power conferred by paragraph (7) shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

Children accommodated in certain homes and in private hospitals N.I.

175.—(1) Where a child is provided with accommodation in any residential care home, nursing home or private hospital—

(a) for a consecutive period of at least three months; or

(b) with the intention, on the part of the person taking the decision to accommodate him, of accommodating him for such a period,

the person carrying on the home or hospital shall notify the authority within whose area the home or hospital is carried on.

(2) Where paragraph (1) applies with respect to a child, the person carrying on the home or hospital shall also notify that authority when he ceases to accommodate the child.

(3) Where an authority has been notified under this Article, it shall—

(a) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to enable it to determine whether the child's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted while he is accommodated in the home or hospital; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) the authority should exercise any of its functions under this Order with respect to the child.

(4) If the person carrying on any home or hospital fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with this Article he shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) A person authorised by an authority may enter any residential care home, nursing home or private hospital within the authority's area for the purpose of establishing whether the requirements of this Article have been complied with.

(6) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of the power of entry shall be guilty of an offence.

(7) Any person exercising the power of entry shall, if so required, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(8) Any person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Children accommodated in schools N.I.

176.—(1) It shall be the duty of the managers of any school which provides accommodation for any child to safeguard and promote the child's welfare.

(2) Where accommodation is provided for a child by a school[F143 the Regulation and Improvement Authority] shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to enable it to determine whether the child's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted while he is accommodated by the school.

(3) Where[F143 it] is of the opinion that there has been a failure to comply with paragraph (1) in relation to a child provided with accommodation by a school[F143 the Regulation and Improvement Authority] shall notify both the Department and the Department of Education.

[F143 (4) Where accommodation is, or is to be, provided for a child by any school, a person authorised by the Regulation and Improvement Authority may, for the purpose of enabling that Authority to discharge its duty under this Article, enter at any time any premises which are, or are to be, premises of the school.]

(5) Any person entering a school in exercise of the power conferred by paragraph (4) may carry out such inspection of premises, children and records as is prescribed by regulations made by the Department for the purposes of this Article after consultation with the Department of Education.

(6) Any person exercising that power shall, if asked to so do, produce some duly authenticated document showing his authority to do so.

(7) Any person authorised under this Article to inspect records—

(a) shall be entitled at any reasonable time to have access to, and inspect and check the operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material which is or has been in use in connection with the records in question; and

(b) may require—

(i) the person by whom or on whose behalf the computer is or has been so used; or

(ii) any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer, apparatus or material,

to afford him such assistance as he may reasonably require.

(8) Any person who intentionally obstructs another in the exercise of any power conferred by this Article shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

F143 2003 NI 9

Children not accommodated in schools N.I.

177.—(1) Where a child is provided with accommodation by an education and library board—

(a) for a consecutive period of at least three months; or

(b) with the intention, on the part of the board, of accommodating him for such a period,

the education and library board shall notify the responsible authority.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to accommodation to which Article 176(1) applies.

(3) Where paragraph (1) applies with respect to a child, the education and library board shall also notify the responsible authority when it ceases to accommodate the child.

(4) In this Article “the responsible authority” means—

(a) the authority appearing to the education and library board to be the authority within whose area the child was ordinarily resident immediately before being accommodated; or

(b) where it appears to the education and library board that the child was not ordinarily resident within the area of any authority, the authority within whose area the accommodation is situated.

(5) Where an authority has been notified under this Article, it shall—

(a) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to enable it to determine whether the child's welfare is adequately safeguarded and promoted while he is accommodated by the education and library board; and

(b) consider the extent to which (if at all) the authority should exercise any of its functions under this Order with respect to the child.

Search warrants N.I.

Police assistance in exercise of powers of search and inspection N.I.

178.—(1) Where, on an application made by any person for a warrant under this Article, it appears to the court—

(a) that a person attempting to exercise powers under any provision specified in paragraph (6) has been prevented from doing so by being refused entry to the premises concerned or refused access to the child concerned; or

(b) that any such person is likely to be so prevented from exercising any such powers,

it may issue a warrant authorising any constable to assist that person in the exercise of those powers, using reasonable force if necessary.

(2) Every warrant issued under this Article shall be addressed to, and executed by, a constable who shall be accompanied by the person applying for the warrant if—

(a) that person so desires; and

(b) the court by whom the warrant is issued does not direct otherwise.

(3) A court granting an application for a warrant under this Article may direct that the constable concerned may, in executing the warrant, be accompanied by a medical practitioner, registered nurse or registered health visitor if he so chooses.

(4) An application for a warrant under this Article shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by rules of court.

(5) Where—

(a) an application for a warrant under this Article relates to a particular child; and

(b) it is reasonably practicable to do so,

the application and any warrant granted on the application shall name the child; and where it does not name him it shall describe him as clearly as possible.

(6) The provisions referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) Articles 77, 93, 108, 130, 149, 175 and 176;

(b) paragraph 7(1)(b) or (2)(b) of Schedule 3;

(c) Article 34 of the Adoption Order (duty to secure that protected children are visited).

Effect and duration of orders, etc. N.I.

Effect and duration of orders, etc. N.I.

179.—(1) The making of a residence order with respect to a child who is the subject of a care order discharges the care order.

(2) The making of a care order with respect to a child who is the subject of any Article 8 order discharges the Article 8 order.

(3) The making of a care order with respect to a child who is the subject of a supervision order discharges the supervision order.

(4) The making of a care order with respect to a child who is a ward of court brings that wardship to an end.

(5) The making of a care order with respect to a child who is the subject of a school attendance order made under Part I of Schedule 13 to the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986F144 discharges the school attendance order.

(6) Where an emergency protection order is made with respect to a child who is in care, the care order shall have effect subject to the emergency protection order.

(7) Any order made under Article 7(1)[F145 or (1A)] or 159(1) shall continue in force until the child reaches the age of 18, unless it is brought to an end earlier.

(8) Any—

(a) agreement under Article 7; or

(b) appointment under Article 160(1) or (2),

shall continue in force until the child reaches the age of 18, unless it is brought to an end earlier.

(9) An order under Schedule 1 has effect as specified in that Schedule.

(10) An Article 8 order shall, if it would otherwise still be in force, cease to have effect when the child reaches the age of 16, unless it is to have effect beyond that age by virtue of Article 9(6).

(11) Where an Article 8 order has effect with respect to a child who has reached the age of 16, it shall, if it would otherwise still be in force, cease to have effect when he reaches the age of 18.

(12) Any care order, other than an interim care order, shall continue in force until the child reaches the age of 18, unless it is brought to an end earlier.

(13) Any order made by a court under any other provision of this Order in relation to a child shall, if it would otherwise still be in force, cease to have effect when he reaches the age of 18.

(14) On disposing of any application for an order under this Order, the court may (whether or not it makes any other order in response to the application) order that no application for an order under this Order of any specified kind may be made with respect to the child concerned by any person named in the order without leave of the court.

(15) Where an application ( “the previous application”) has been made for—

(a) the discharge of a care order;

(b) the discharge of a supervision order;

(c) the discharge of an education supervision order;

(d) the substitution of a supervision order for a care order; or

(e) a child assessment order,

no further application of a kind mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) may be made with respect to the child concerned, without leave of the court, unless the period between the disposal of the previous application and the making of the further application exceeds six months.

(16) Paragraph (15) does not apply to applications made in relation to interim orders.

(17) Where—

(a) a person has made an application for an order under Article 53;

(b) the application has been refused; and

(c) a period of less than six months has elapsed since the refusal,

that person may not make a further application for such an order with respect to the same child, unless he has obtained the leave of the court.

F144 1986 NI 3

F145 2001 c. 12 (NI)

The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands N.I.

180.—(1) Where a child who is in the care of an authority is lawfully taken to live in the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands, the care order in question shall cease to have effect if the prescribed conditions are satisfied.

(2) The Department may make regulations providing for prescribed orders which—

(a) are made by a court in the Isle of Man or in any of the Channel Islands; and

(b) appear to the Department to correspond in their effect to orders which may be made under this Order,

to have effect in prescribed circumstances for prescribed purposes of this Order as if they were orders of a prescribed kind made under this Order.

Miscellaneous N.I.

Annual report N.I.

181.  The Department shall, after consultation with the Lord Chancellor, the Department of Education and the Department of Finance and Personnel, cause an annual general report on the operation of this Order to be prepared and laid before the Assembly.

Yn ddilys o 03/04/2006

[F146 Delegation of functions by Lord Chief Justice N.I.

181A— (1) The Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland may nominate any of the following to exercise a delegable function—

(a) the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002;

(b) a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).

(2) In paragraph (1) “delegable function” means a function under any of these provisions of this Order—

(a) Article 4(2);

(b) Article 166(14);

(c) Article 169(5);

(d) Article 170(5);

(e) in Schedule 1, paragraph 6(2);

(f) in Schedule 7—

(i) paragraph 1(1), (2) and (4);

(ii) paragraph 2(1) and (5);

(iii) paragraph 3;

(iv) paragraph 4(4), (6)(a) and (7).]

F146 Art. 181A inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 99; S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(b)

Temporary exercise of functions of authorities by Department N.I.

182.—(1) The Department may by regulations provide that until such date as may be prescribed the provisions to which paragraph (2) applies shall have effect as if for references to an authority there were substituted references to the Department.

(2) This paragraph applies to—

(a) Articles 78, 80 to 87, 94 and 96 to 103;

(b) regulations made for the purposes of Article 80(4) or 96(4);

(c) regulations made under Article 89(2)(j) or (k) or 105(2)(j) or (k); and

(d) such other provisions of this Order as may be prescribed.

(3) Regulations may make such modifications of this Order as appear to the Department to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(4) Regulations under paragraph (1) shall not prescribe a date later than the expiration of six years from the commencement of this Article.

Regulations and orders N.I.

183.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) [F147 to (4)], regulations under this Order shall be subject to negative resolution.

(2) Orders under Article 18(4) or 156 shall be subject to affirmative resolution.

(3) Regulations and orders under this Order made by the Lord Chancellor shall be subject to annulment in like manner as a statutory instrument and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946F148 shall apply accordingly.

[F147 (4) Regulations under Article 18(10) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

F147 2002 c. 21

F148 1946 c. 36

Transitional provisions and savings N.I.

184.—(1) The transitional provisions and savings set out in Schedule 8 shall have effect.

(2) An order under Article 1(2) may make such transitional provisions or savings as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient in connection with the provisions brought into operation by the order, including—

(a) provisions adding to or modifying the provisions of Schedule 8; and

(b) such adaptations—

(i) of the provisions brought into operation by the order; and

(ii) of any provisions of this Order then in operation,

as appear to the Secretary of State necessary or expedient in consequence of the partial operation of this Order.

Article 185— Amendments and Repeals