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Court orders to protect children

In serious cases of child abuse, the local authority will apply to court for an order to protect the child. This section describes briefly the different sorts of orders that can be applied for and what their effect could be.

Court orders - where to start

Summarises the different types of court orders social services can apply for, to protect a child they think is at risk of harm.

Child assessment orders

Explains what a child assessment order is, the type of assessments it covers, whether a child can be taken away from home, and how to challenge or complain about the order.

Emergency protection orders

Explains what an emergency protection order is, who can apply for one, serving notice, what happens once it is made, how long it lasts, and how to appeal or complain about the order.

Supervision orders

Explains what a supervision order is, how it is made, serving notice, what happens once it is made, how long it lasts, and how to appeal or complain about the order.

Care orders in child abuse cases

Explains what a care order is, how it is made, how it gives parental responsibility to social services, whether it can exclude a child abuser from the home, and how to appeal or complain about the order.