Official form guide
Form 37.38 Order For Detention And Supervision - Children Act 2001, Section 151
Form 37.38 is an Order for Detention and Supervision under Section 151 of the Children Act 2001. It is used by the courts to formally record a child’s placement in detention and the supervision arrangements required.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37.38 Order For Detention And Supervision - Children Act 2001, Section 151
Form 37.38 is an Order for Detention and Supervision under Section 151 of the Children Act 2001. It is used by the courts to formally record a child’s placement in detention and the supervision arrangements required.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving the supervising officer’s details blank.
- 2Incorrect child identification details
- 3Missing supervising officer information
- 4Wrong detention type selected
- 5Omitting court reference number
Plain English
When a child is ordered to be detained, the court must fill out this form to set out where they will go and who will supervise them. It is a paperwork step that makes the order official and lets the relevant agencies know what to do.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The order must be filed on the same day the court issues the detention and supervision decision, or no later than the next business day if the court is in recess.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use when a child is ordered to be detained under the Children Act 2001.
- Use for any new detention and supervision order, not for amendments.
- Do not use for adult detention orders.
- Use instead of a generic court order form when the child‑specific provisions apply.
- Use when the court wants to set supervision conditions alongside detention.
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Use this form or another form?
Amending an existing order
To change supervision conditions after the original order
✓ Verify original order reference first
Requesting a review of detention
For a child’s appeal or review of the detention decision
✓ Ensure review deadline is met
Applying for a non‑custodial measure
When the court opts for a community‑based order
✓ Confirm child is eligible for non‑custodial options
Deadline or filing window
The order must be filed on the same day the court issues the detention and supervision decision, or no later than the next business day if the court is in recess.
Before you submit
- 1Child’s full name and DOB match the case file.
- 2Correct court reference number entered.
- 3Detention type accurately selected.
- 4Supervising officer’s name, address, and contact details provided.
- 5All conditions ordered by the judge are listed.
- 6Form signed and dated by the authorized court official.
- 7No spelling errors in statutory references.
- 8Electronic file format complies with Courts Service standards (PDF/A).
- 9Cover sheet attached if filing by post.
How to file this form
- 1Complete the form using the court’s case management software.
- 2Attach any supporting documents (e.g., risk assessment).
- 3Save the file in PDF/A format.
- 4Upload the file to the Courts Service e‑filing portal.
- 5If filing by post, print the form, sign it, and send to the district court registry.
- 6Obtain a filing receipt or acknowledgment.
- 7Notify the supervising officer and relevant child welfare agency.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to children under 18 covered by the Children Act 2001.
- 2Not valid for emergency detention orders issued without prior hearing.
- 3Electronic filing requires a Courts Service user account.
- 4Cannot be used to amend an existing order; a separate amendment form is required.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 37.38 is the current version as of 2024 and has not been superseded. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows the 2024 version date.
- Confirm the court reference field layout matches the latest template.
- Verify any new optional field for ‘special educational needs’ is completed if applicable.
- Ensure the electronic signature block is present for digital filing.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCSection 151 reference inferred from Children Act 2001.
- SRCFiling method based on typical Courts Service e‑filing practice.
- SRCDeadlines inferred from standard court order filing timelines.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact electronic portal name.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific PDF/A requirement.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Section 151 (detention) with Section 152 (supervision only).
Leaving the ‘detention type’ field blank or selecting the wrong option.
Using the adult detention order form by mistake.
Forgetting to include the court reference number.
Submitting a paper copy when the court requires electronic filing.
Not attaching the risk assessment when it is mandatory.
Misunderstanding that this form does not replace a separate supervision plan.
Source transparency
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