Children Act 1989

Part IV E+W Care and Supervision

General E+W

31 Care and Supervision E+W

(1) On the application of any local 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 local authority; or

(b) putting him under the supervision of a designated local authority F1 . . ..

(2) A court may only make a care order or 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) No care order or supervision order may be made with respect to a child who has reached the age of seventeen (or sixteen, in the case of a child who is married).

[F2 (3A) A court deciding whether to make a care order—

(a) is required to consider the permanence provisions of the section 31A plan for the child concerned, but

(b) is not required to consider the remainder of the section 31A plan, subject to section 34(11).

[F3 (3B) For the purposes of subsection (3A), the permanence provisions of a section 31A plan are—

(a) such of the plan's provisions setting out the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child concerned as provide for any of the following—

(i) the child to live with any parent of the child's or with any other member of, or any friend of, the child's family;

(ii) adoption;

(iii) long-term care not within sub-paragraph (i) or (ii);

(b) such of the plan's provisions as set out any of the following—

(i) the impact on the child concerned of any harm that he or she suffered or was likely to suffer;

(ii) the current and future needs of the child (including needs arising out of that impact);

(iii) the way in which the long-term plan for the upbringing of the child would meet those current and future needs.]

(3C) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section for the purpose of altering what for the purposes of subsection (3A) are the permanence provisions of a section 31A plan.]

(4) An application under this section may be made on its own or in any other family proceedings.

(5) 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.

(6) Where an authorised person proposes to make an application under this section he shall—

(a) if it is reasonably practicable to do so; and

(b) before making the application,

consult the local authority appearing to him to be the authority in whose area the child concerned is ordinarily resident.

(7) 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 order, or supervision order, which has not been disposed of; or

(b) subject to—

(i) a care order or supervision order;

[F4 (ii) a youth rehabilitation order within [F5 the meaning given by section 173 of the Sentencing Code]; or]

[F6 (iii) a compulsory supervision order or interim compulsory supervision order as defined by sections 83 and 86 of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act    2011. ]

(8) The local 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 a local authority, the authority within whose area any circumstances arose in consequence of which the order is being made.

(9) In this section—

• “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 Secretary of State to bring proceedings under this section and any officer of a body which is so authorised;

• “harm” means ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development [F7 including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another];

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

• “health” means physical or mental health; and

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

(10) 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.

(11) In this Act—

• “a care order” means (subject to section 105(1)) an order under subsection (1)(a) and (except where express provision to the contrary is made) includes an interim care order made under section 38; and

• “a supervision order” means an order under subsection (1)(b) and (except where express provision to the contrary is made) includes an interim supervision order made under section 38.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 31(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 90, Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)(g)

F2 S. 31(3A)-(3C) substituted for s. 31(3A) (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 15(1), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(d) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F3 S. 31(3B) substituted (31.10.2017) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), ss. 8, 70(2); S.I. 2017/918, reg. 2(a)

F4 S. 31(7)(b)(ii) substituted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 35 (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(v)

F5 Words in s. 31(7)(b)(ii) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 109 (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F6 S. 31(7)(b)(iii) substituted (24.6.2013) by The Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Consequential and Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1465), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 2(2)

F7 S. 31(9): words in definition of "harm" inserted (31.1.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 120, 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 31 applied (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/2032, art. 3(1).

C2 S. 31 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), 5(3)(a)

C3 S. 31(1)(a) extended (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 12(6)(a)(7); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(c) (subject to arts. 5-8)

C4 S. 31(2) modified (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 12(7); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(c) (subject to arts. 5-8).

Commencement Information

I1 S. 31 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

[F8 31A Care orders: care plans E+W

(1) Where an application is made on which a care order might be made with respect to a child, the appropriate local authority must, within such time as the court may direct, prepare a plan (“ a care plan ”) for the future care of the child.

(2) While the application is pending, the authority must keep any care plan prepared by them under review and, if they are of the opinion some change is required, revise the plan, or make a new plan, accordingly.

(3) A care plan must give any prescribed information and do so in the prescribed manner.

(4) For the purposes of this section, the appropriate local authority, in relation to a child in respect of whom a care order might be made, is the local authority proposed to be designated in the order.

(5) In section 31(3A) and this section, references to a care order do not include an interim care order.

(6) A plan prepared, or treated as prepared, under this section is referred to in this Act as a “ section 31A plan ”. ]

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 31A inserted (7.12.2004 for specified purposes and otherwise 30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 121(2), 148 (with s. 121(3), Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(m)(xii); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 31A 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), 5(3)(b)

32 Period within which application for order under this Part must be disposed of. E+W

(1) A court [F9 in which an application for an order under this Part is proceeding ] shall (in the light of any [F10 provision in rules of court that is of the kind mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or (b)) ]—

(a) draw up a timetable with a view to [F11 disposing of the application—

(i) without delay, and

(ii) in any event within twenty-six weeks beginning with the day on which the application was issued; 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.

[F12 (3) A court, when drawing up a timetable under subsection (1)(a), must in particular have regard to—

(a) the impact which the timetable would have on the welfare of the child to whom the application relates; and

(b) the impact which the timetable would have on the conduct of the proceedings.

(4) A court, when revising a timetable drawn up under subsection (1)(a) or when making any decision which may give rise to a need to revise such a timetable (which does not include a decision under subsection (5)), must in particular have regard to—

(a) the impact which any revision would have on the welfare of the child to whom the application relates; and

(b) the impact which any revision would have on the duration and conduct of the proceedings.

(5) A court in which an application under this Part is proceeding may extend the period that is for the time being allowed under subsection (1)(a)(ii) in the case of the application, but may do so only if the court considers that the extension is necessary to enable the court to resolve the proceedings justly.

(6) When deciding whether to grant an extension under subsection (5), a court must in particular have regard to—

(a) the impact which any ensuing timetable revision would have on the welfare of the child to whom the application relates, and

(b) the impact which any ensuing timetable revision would have on the duration and conduct of the proceedings;

and here “ensuing timetable revision” means any revision, of the timetable under subsection (1)(a) for the proceedings, which the court considers may ensue from the extension.

(7) When deciding whether to grant an extension under subsection (5), a court is to take account of the following guidance: extensions are not to be granted routinely and are to be seen as requiring specific justification.

(8) Each separate extension under subsection (5) is to end no more than eight weeks after the later of—

(a) the end of the period being extended; and

(b) the end of the day on which the extension is granted.

(9) The Lord Chancellor may by regulations amend subsection (1)(a)(ii), or the opening words of subsection (8), for the purpose of varying the period for the time being specified in that provision.

(10) Rules of court may provide that a court—

(a) when deciding whether to exercise the power under subsection (5), or

(b) when deciding how to exercise that power,

must, or may or may not, have regard to matters specified in the rules, or must take account of any guidance set out in the rules.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 32(1) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(7)(a), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F10 Words in s. 32(1) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(7)(b), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F11 Words in s. 32(1)(a) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(2), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F12 S. 32(3)-(10) inserted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(3), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 32 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

Care orders E+W

33 Effect of care order. E+W

(1) Where a care order is made with respect to a child it shall be the duty of the local authority designated by the order to receive the child into their care and to keep him in their 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 local 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 local authority designated by the order shall—

(a) have parental responsibility for the child; and

(b) have the power (subject to the following provisions of this section) to determine the extent to which [F13 —

(i) a parent, guardian or special guardian of the child; or

(ii) a person who by virtue of section 4A has parental responsibility for the child,]

may meet his parental responsibility for him.

(4) The authority may not exercise the power in subsection (3)(b) unless they are satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard or promote the child’s welfare.

(5) Nothing in subsection (3)(b) shall prevent [F14 a person mentioned in that provision who has care of the child] 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 local 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) F15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) to agree or refuse to agree to the making of an adoption order, or an order under [F16 section 84 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002], 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) Subsection (7)(b) does not—

(a) prevent the removal of such a child, for a period of less than one month, by the authority in whose care he is; or

(b) apply to arrangements for such a child to live outside England and Wales (which are governed by paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 [F17 in England, and section 124 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in Wales]).

(9) The power in subsection (3)(b) is subject (in addition to being subject to the provisions of this section) to any right, duty, power, responsibility or authority which [F18 a person mentioned in that provision] has in relation to the child and his property by virtue of any other enactment.

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 33(3)(b) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F14 Words in s. 33(5) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F15 S. 33(6)(b)(i) repealed (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(c)(i), Sch. 5 (with Sch. 4 para. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o); S.I. 2005/2897, art. 2(b)

F16 Words in s. 33(6)(b)(ii) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(c)(ii) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F17 Words in s. 33(8)(b) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/413), regs. 2(1), 97

F18 Words in s. 33(9) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 63(d) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 33 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

34 Parental contact etc. with children in care. E+W

(1) Where a child is in the care of a local authority, the authority shall (subject to the provisions of this section) [F19 and their duty under section 22(3)(a)] [F20 or, where the local authority is in Wales, under section 78(1)(a) of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014] allow the child reasonable contact with—

(a) his parents;

(b) any guardian [F21 or special guardian] of his;

[F22 (ba) any person who by virtue of section 4A has parental responsibility for him;]

(c) where there was a [F23 child arrangements] order in force with respect to the child immediately before the care order was made, [F24 any person named in the child arrangements order as a person with whom the child was to live ]; 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 paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (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 paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (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 a local authority, the court may make an order under this section, even though no application for such an order has been made with respect to the child, if it considers that the order should be made.

(6) An authority may refuse to allow the contact that would otherwise be required by virtue of subsection (1) or an order under this section if—

(a) they are 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.

[F25 (6A) Where (by virtue of an order under this section, or because subsection (6) applies) a local authority in England are authorised to refuse to allow contact between the child and a person mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 2, paragraph 15(1) of that Schedule does not require the authority to endeavour to promote contact between the child and that person.]

[F26 (6B) Where (by virtue of an order under this section, or because subsection (6) applies) a local authority in Wales is authorised to refuse contact between the child and a person mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 95(1) of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, section 95(1) of that Act does not require the authority to promote contact between the child and that person.]

(7) An order under this section may impose such conditions as the court considers appropriate.

(8) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to—

[F27 (za) what a local authority in England must have regard to in considering whether contact between a child and a person mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) is consistent with safeguarding and promoting the child's welfare;]

(a) the steps to be taken by a local authority who have exercised their powers under subsection (6);

(b) the circumstances in which, and conditions subject to which, the terms of any order under this section may be departed from by agreement between the local authority and the person in relation to whom the order is made;

(c) notification by a local authority of any variation or suspension of arrangements made (otherwise than under an order under this section) with a view to affording any person contact with a child to whom this section applies.

(9) The court may vary or discharge any order made under this section on the application of the authority, the child concerned or the person named in the order.

(10) An order under this section may be made either at the same time as the care order itself or later.

(11) Before [F28 making, varying or discharging an order under this section or] making a care order with respect to any child the court shall—

(a) consider the arrangements which the authority have made, or propose to make, for affording any person contact with a child to whom this section applies; and

(b) invite the parties to the proceedings to comment on those arrangements.

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 34(1) inserted (25.7.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 8(2), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 6(d)

F20 Words in s. 34(1) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/413), regs. 2(1), 98(a)

F21 Words in s. 34(1)(b) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 64(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F22 S. 34(1)(ba) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148, Sch. 3 para. 64(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(o)

F23 Words in s. 34(1)(c) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 31(a); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F24 Words in s. 34(1)(c) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 31(b); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F25 S. 34(6A) inserted (25.7.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 8(3), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 6(d)

F26 S. 34(6B) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/413), regs. 2(1), 98(b)

F27 S. 34(8)(za) inserted (25.7.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 8(4), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 6(d)

F28 Words in s. 34(11) inserted (25.7.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 8(5), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 6(d)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 34 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

Supervision orders E+W

35 Supervision orders. E+W

(1) While a supervision order is in force it shall be the duty of the supervisor—

(a) to advise, assist and befriend the supervised child;

(b) to 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,

to consider whether or not to apply to the court for its variation or discharge.

(2) Parts I and II of Schedule 3 make further provision with respect to supervision orders.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 35 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

36 Education supervision orders. E+W

(1) On the application of any [F29 local authority], the court may make an order putting the child with respect to whom the application is made under the supervision of a designated [F29 local authority].

(2) In this Act “an education supervision order” means an order under subsection (1).

(3) 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.

(4) For the purposes of this section, a child is being properly educated only if he is receiving efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and any special educational needs he may have.

(5) Where a child is—

(a) the subject of a school attendance order which is in force under [F30 section 437 of the Education Act 1996] and which has not been complied with; or

[F31 (b) is not attending regularly within the meaning of section 444 of that Act—

(i) a school at which he is a registered pupil,

(ii) any place at which education is provided for him in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) [F32 or (1A)] of section 444ZA of that Act, or

(iii) any place which he is required to attend in the circumstances mentioned in subsection [F33 (1B) or] (2) of that section,]

then, unless it is proved that he is being properly educated, it shall be assumed that he is not.

(6) An education supervision order may not be made with respect to a child who is in the care of a local authority.

(7) The [F34 local authority] designated in an education supervision order must be—

(a) the authority 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 authority mentioned in paragraph (a) and the authority within whose area the school is situated agree,

the latter authority.

(8) Where a [F35 local authority] propose to make an application for an education supervision order they shall, before making the application, consult the F36 . . . appropriate local authority [F37 if different].

(9) The appropriate local authority is—

(a) in the case of a child who is being provided with accommodation by, or on behalf of, a local authority, that authority; and

(b) in any other case, the local authority within whose area the child concerned lives, or will live.

(10) Part III of Schedule 3 makes further provision with respect to education supervision orders.

[F38 (11) Where, for the purposes of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, a local authority in Wales is responsible for a child or a child is looked after by a local authority in Wales, the reference to special educational needs in subsection (4) is to be interpreted as a reference to additional learning needs (which has the same meaning as in that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in s. 36(1) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 37(7)(a)

F30 Words in s. 36(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para. 85(a)(with s. 1(4))

F31 S. 36(5)(b) substituted (1.9.2005 for E. and 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), ss. 117, 119, Sch. 18 para. 1; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F32 Words in s. 36(5)(b)(ii) inserted (1.9.2012) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 43(a); S.I. 2012/2197, art. 2(b)

F33 Words in s. 36(5)(b)(iii) inserted (1.9.2012) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 43(b); S.I. 2012/2197, art. 2(b)

F34 Words in s. 36(7) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 37(7)(b)

F35 Words in s. 36(8) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 37(7)(c)(i)

F36 Words in s. 36(8) repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993 c. 35, s. 307(1)(3), Sch. 19 para. 149, Sch. 21 Pt. II; S.I. 1993/1975, art. 9, Sch. 1, Appendix.

F37 Words in s. 36(8) inserted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children's Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), arts. 1, 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 37(7)(c)(ii)

F38 S. 36(11) inserted (1.9.2021) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), s. 100(3), Sch. 1 para. 2(3); S.I. 2021/373, art. 8(j)(iii)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 36 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

Powers of court E+W

37 Powers of court in certain family proceedings. E+W

(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 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 section the local authority concerned shall, when undertaking the investigation, consider whether they should—

(a) apply for a care order or for 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 a local authority undertake an investigation under this section, and decide not to apply for a care order or supervision order with respect to the child concerned, they shall inform the court of—

(a) their reasons for so deciding;

(b) any service or assistance which they have provided, or intend to provide, for the child and his family; and

(c) any other action which they have taken, or propose 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 local authority named in a direction under subsection (1) must be—

(a) the authority in whose area the child is ordinarily resident; or

(b) where the child [F39 is not ordinarily resident] in the area of a local 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 section, the authority decide not to apply for a care order or supervision order with respect to the child—

(a) they shall consider whether it would be appropriate to review the case at a later date; and

(b) if they decide that it would be, they shall determine the date on which that review is to begin.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in s. 37(5)(b) substituted (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 116, Sch. 16 para. 16; S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

Commencement Information

I7 S. 37 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

38 Interim orders. E+W

(1) Where—

(a) in any proceedings on an application for a care order or supervision order, the proceedings are adjourned; or

(b) the court gives a direction under section 37(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 section unless it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the circumstances with respect to the child are as mentioned in section 31(2).

(3) Where, in any proceedings on an application for a care order or supervision order, a court makes a [F40 child arrangements order with respect to the living arrangements of] the child concerned, it shall also make an interim supervision order with respect to him unless satisfied that his welfare will be satisfactorily safeguarded without an interim order being made.

[F41 (3A) For the purposes of subsection (3), a child arrangements order is one made with respect to the living arrangements of the child concerned if the arrangements regulated by the order consist of, or include, arrangements which relate to either or both of the following—

(a) with whom the child is to live, and

(b) when the child is to live with any person.]

(4) An interim order made under or by virtue of this section 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 events first occurs—

F42 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F43 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) in a case which falls within subsection (1)(a), the disposal of the application;

(d) in a case which falls within subsection (1)(b), the disposal of an application for a care order or supervision order made by the authority with respect to the child;

[F44 (da) in a case which falls within subsection (1)(b) and in which—

(i) no direction has been given under section 37(4), and

(ii) no application for a care order or supervision order has been made with respect to the child,

the expiry of the period of eight weeks beginning with the date on which the order is made;]

(e) in a case which falls within subsection (1)(b) and in which—

(i) the court has given a direction under section 37(4), but

(ii) no application for a care order or supervision order has been made with respect to the child,

the expiry of the period fixed by that direction.

F45 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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 subsection (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.

[F46 (7A) A direction under subsection (6) to the effect that there is to be a medical or psychiatric examination or other assessment of the child may be given only if the court is of the opinion that the examination or other assessment is necessary to assist the court to resolve the proceedings justly.

(7B) When deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (6) to that effect the court is to have regard in particular to—

(a) any impact which any examination or other assessment would be likely to have on the welfare of the child, and any other impact which giving the direction would be likely to have on the welfare of the child,

(b) the issues with which the examination or other assessment would assist the court,

(c) the questions which the examination or other assessment would enable the court to answer,

(d) the evidence otherwise available,

(e) the impact which the direction would be likely to have on the timetable, duration and conduct of the proceedings,

(f) the cost of the examination or other assessment, and

(g) any matters prescribed by Family Procedure Rules.]

(8) A direction under subsection (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 subsection.

(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 or by virtue of this section 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.

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 38(3) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 32(2); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F41 S. 38(3A) inserted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 32(3); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F42 S. 38(4)(a) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(4)(a)(i), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F43 S. 38(4)(b) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(4)(a)(ii), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F44 S. 38(4)(da) inserted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(4)(b), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F45 S. 38(5) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 14(4)(c), 139(6); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(c) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F46 S. 38(7A)(7B) inserted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 13(11), 139(6); S.I. 2014/793, art. 2 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 5, 11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 38 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), 5(2) (as amended (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2019/519, reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 37(3) (with reg. 8 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1574, regs. 1, 5(2))); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1))

C7 S. 38(1) restricted (14.10.1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, rules 1, 28

Commencement Information

I8 S. 38 wholly in force at 14.10.1991, see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

[F47 38A Power to include exclusion requirement in interim care order. E+W

(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 section 31(2)(a) and (b)(i), the court makes an interim care order with respect to a child, and

(b) the conditions mentioned in subsection (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 living in the dwelling-house (whether a parent of the child or some other person)—

(i) is able and willing to 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 section 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.

(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) Where the court makes an interim care order containing an exclusion requirement, the court may attach a power of arrest to the exclusion requirement.

(6) Where the court attaches a power of arrest to an exclusion requirement of an interim care order, it may provide that the power of arrest is to have effect for a shorter period than the exclusion requirement.

(7) Any period specified for the purposes of subsection (4) or (6) may be extended by the court (on one or more occasions) on an application to vary or discharge the interim care order.

(8) Where a power of arrest is attached to an exclusion requirement of an interim care order by virtue of subsection (5), a constable may arrest without warrant any person whom he has reasonable cause to believe to be in breach of the requirement.

(9) Sections 47(7), (11) and (12) and 48 of, and Schedule 5 to, the Family Law Act 1996 shall have effect in relation to a person arrested under subsection (8) of this section as they have effect in relation to a person arrested under section 47(6) of that Act.

(10) If, while an interim care order containing an exclusion requirement is in force, the local authority have 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.]

Textual Amendments

F47 Ss. 38A and 38B inserted(1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, ss. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1(with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art.3

F48 38B Undertakings relating to interim care orders. E+W

(1) In any case where the court has power to include an exclusion requirement in an interim care order, the court may accept an undertaking from the relevant person.

(2) No power of arrest may be attached to any undertaking given under subsection (1).

(3) An undertaking given to a court under subsection (1)—

(a) shall be enforceable as if it were an order of the court, and

(b) shall cease to have effect if, while it is in force, the local authority have 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.

(4) This section has effect without prejudice to the powers of the High Court and [F49 family court ] apart from this section.

(5) In this section “exclusion requirement” and “relevant person” have the same meaning as in section 38A.

Textual Amendments

F48 Ss. 38A and 38B inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para.1 (with Sch. 9 para. 5); S.I. 1997/1892, art.3

F49 Words in s. 38B(4) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 11 para. 106; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(e) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

39 Discharge and variation etc. of care orders and supervision orders. E+W

(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 local 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.

F50 [(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.

(3B) Where a power of arrest has been attached to an exclusion requirement of an interim care order, the court may, on the application of any person entitled to apply for the discharge of the order so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement, vary or discharge the order in so far as it confers a power of arrest (whether or not any application has been made to vary or discharge any other provision of the order).]

(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 subsection (4) any provision of this Act which would otherwise require section 31(2) to be satisfied at the time when the proposed order is substituted or made shall be disregarded.

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 39(3A) and (3B) inserted(1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, ss. 52, 67(3), Sch. 6 para.2; S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3

Commencement Information

I9 S. 39 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

40 Orders pending appeals in cases about care or supervision orders. E+W

(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 order or 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 section 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 section; 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 section “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.

Commencement Information

I10 S. 40 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

Guardians ad litem E+W

41 [F51 Representation of child] E+W

(1) or the purpose of any specified proceedings, the court shall appoint [F52 an officer of the Service][F53 or a Welsh family proceedings officer] for the child concerned unless satisfied that it is not necessary to do so in order to safeguard his interests.

(2) The [F52 officer of the Service][F54 or Welsh family proceedings officer] 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 subsection (4) is satisfied,

the court may appoint a solicitor to represent him.

(4) The conditions are that—

(a) no [F52 officer of the Service][F54 or Welsh family proceedings officer] 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 or by virtue of this section shall be appointed, and shall represent the child, in accordance with rules of court.

(6) In this section “specified proceedings” means any proceedings—

(a) on an application for a care order or supervision order;

(b) in which the court has given a direction under section 37(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 section 39(4);

(e) in which the court is considering whether to make a [F55 child arrangements order with respect to the living arrangements of] 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 V;

(h) on an appeal against—

(i) the making of, or refusal to make, a care order, supervision order or any order under section 34;

(ii) the making of, or refusal to make, a [F56 child arrangements order with respect to the living arrangements of] 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 sub-paragraph (i) or (ii);

(iv) the refusal of an application under section 39(4); or

(v) the making of, or refusal to make, an order under Part V; or

[F57 (hh) on an application for the making or revocation of a placement order (within the meaning of section 21 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002);]

(i) which are specified for the time being, for the purposes of this section, by rules of court.

[F58 (6A) The proceedings which may be specified under subsection (6)(i) include (for example) proceedings for the making, varying or discharging of a section 8 order.]

[F59 (6B) For the purposes of subsection (6), a child arrangements order is one made with respect to the living arrangements of a child if the arrangements regulated by the order consist of, or include, arrangements which relate to either or both of the following—

(a) with whom the child is to live, and

(b) when the child is to live with any person.]

F60 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F60 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F60 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(10) Rules of court may make provision as to—

(a) the assistance which any [F52 officer of the Service][F61 or Welsh family proceedings officer] may be required by the court to give to it;

(b) the consideration to be given by any [F52 officer of the Service][F61 or Welsh family proceedings officer] , 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 [F52 officers of the Service][F62 or Welsh family proceedings officers] in reviews, of a kind specified in the rules, which are conducted by the court.

(11) Regardless of any enactment 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 [F52 an officer of the Service][F63 or a Welsh family proceedings officer] who is appointed under this section 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.

F60 (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 41 side note substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(e); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F52 Words in s. 41(1)(2)(4)(a)(10)(a)(b)(c)(11)(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(a)(b)(c); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F53 Words in s. 41(1) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(2); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

F54 Words in s. 41(2)(4)(a) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(3); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

F55 Words in s. 41(6)(e) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 33(2); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F56 Words in s. 41(6)(h)(ii) substituted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 33(2); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F57 S. 41(6)(hh) inserted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 122(1)(a), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2(k)

F58 S. 41(6A) inserted (7.12.2004) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 122(1)(b), 148 (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.I. 2004/3203, art. 2(1)(l)

F59 S. 41(6B) inserted (22.4.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 2 para. 33(3); S.I. 2014/889, art. 4(f) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/1042, arts. 3, 4, 6-10)

F60 S. 41(7)-(9)(12) repealed (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 91(d), Sch. 8; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)(g)

F61 Words in s. 41(10)(a)(b) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(4)(a); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

F62 Words in s. 41(10)(c) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

F63 Words in s. 41(11) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 9(5); S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 41 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), 5(3)(c)

C9 S. 41(2) modified (14. 10. 1991) by S.I. 1991/1395, rules. 1, 11(1)

C10 S. 41(3)-(5) applied (with modifications) (23.12.2011) by The Legal Services Act 2007 (Designation as a Licensing Authority) (No. 2) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2866), arts. 1(2), 8(1)(2), Sch. 2

Commencement Information

I11 S. 41 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

42 [F64 Right of officer of the Service to have access to local authority records] E+W

(1) Where [F65 an officer of the Service][F66 or Welsh family proceedings officer] has been appointed [F67 under section 41] he shall have the right at all reasonable times to examine and take copies of—

(a) any records of, or held by, a local authority [F68 or an authorised person]which were compiled in connection with the making, or proposed making, by any person of any application under this Act with respect to the child concerned; F69 . . .

(b) any F69 . . . records of, or held by, a local authority which were compiled in connection with any functions which [F70 are social services functions within the meaning of] the M1 Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 [F71 or for the purposes of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014], so far as those records relate to that child.

[F72 ; 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) Where [F73 an officer of the Service][F66 or Welsh family proceedings officer] takes a copy of any record which he is entitled to examine under this section, 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.

(3) Subsection (2) has effect regardless of any enactment or rule of law which would otherwise prevent the record in question being admissible in evidence.

[F74 (4) In this section “ authorised person ” has the same meaning as in section 31. ]

Textual Amendments

F64 S. 42 sidenote substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch.7 Pt. II para. 92(c); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F65 Words in s. 42(1) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, 80, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(a)(i); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F66 Words in s. 42(1)(2) inserted (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 40, Sch. 3 para. 10; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

F67 Words in s. 42(1) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(a)(ii); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F68 Words in s. 42(1)(a) inserted (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 116, Sch. 16 para. 18(2); S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

F69 Words in s. 42(1) repealed (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 125(7), Sch. 20; S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

F70 Words in s. 42(1)(b) substituted (26.10.2000 for E. and otherwise 28.7.2001) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 107, 108(4), Sch. 5 para. 20; S.I. 2000/2849, art. 2(f)

F71 Words in s. 42(1)(b) inserted (6.4.2016) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/413), regs. 2(1), 99

F72 S. 42(1)(c) added (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), ss. 116, Sch. 16 para. 18(3); S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

F73 Words in s. 42(2) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 92(b); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)

F74 S. 42(4) added (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 116, Sch. 16 para. 18(4); S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.

Commencement Information

I12 S. 42 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

Marginal Citations

M1 1970 c. 42.