Official form guide
Form 37.9 Order For Detention In Children Detention School - Children Act 2001, Section 142
Form 37.9 is an Order for Detention in a Children Detention School under Section 142 of the Children Act 2001. It is used by the courts when a child offender is sentenced to custodial detention in a designated school.
Need help with Form 37.9 Order For Detention In Children Detention School - Children Act 2001, Section 142?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37.9 Order For Detention In Children Detention School - Children Act 2001, Section 142
Form 37.9 is an Order for Detention in a Children Detention School under Section 142 of the Children Act 2001. It is used by the courts when a child offender is sentenced to custodial detention in a designated school.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which invalidates the order.
- 2Incorrect PPS number or date of birth
- 3Wrong detention school selected
- 4Missing judge’s signature
- 5Sentence length not matching the court order
Plain English
This paper tells the court to send a young person to a Children Detention School after a conviction. It only applies to cases covered by the Children Act 2001 and when the judge decides on detention.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The order must be filed before the child is transferred to the detention school, typically within 24‑48 hours of sentencing.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use when a child is sentenced to detention under Section 142 of the Children Act 2001.
- Do not use for adult offenders or non‑custodial sentences.
- If the child is to be placed in a secure training centre, a different form (e.g., Form 38.1) is required.
- When the sentence is a fine or community service, this form is not applicable.
- If the order is being varied after the original sentencing, a variation form must be filed instead.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adult offender sentenced to prison
Adult custodial orders use a different form
✓ Verify offender age before proceeding
Child placed in a Secure Training Centre
Different statutory framework
✓ Confirm placement type
Variation of existing detention order
Variation requires a separate form
✓ Check original order reference
Deadline or filing window
The order must be filed before the child is transferred to the detention school, typically within 24‑48 hours of sentencing.
Before you submit
- 1Child’s full name, DOB and PPS number entered correctly
- 2Offence description and conviction date match the court transcript
- 3Sentence length matches the judge’s oral order
- 4Correct Children Detention School selected
- 5Judge’s signature and date are present
- 6Form is signed on the same page as the order details
- 7PDF is clear and legible if filing electronically
- 8Reference number of the case included on the cover sheet
- 9Copy retained for court records
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a draft of the order using the official template.
- 2Have the judge review and sign the completed form.
- 3Scan the signed document to create a PDF (if filing electronically).
- 4Log in to the Courts Service e‑filing portal.
- 5Upload the PDF and attach the case reference.
- 6Confirm receipt and note the filing reference number.
- 7If filing by post, send the original signed form to the Central Records Office via recorded delivery.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to children aged 12‑17 under the Children Act 2001.
- 2Does not cover non‑custodial sanctions.
- 3Electronic filing requires a Courts Service user account.
- 4The form cannot be used to extend an existing detention period.
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 37.9 is currently the approved version for 2024‑2025. No recent amendments have been published, but check the Courts Service website for updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form number is 37.9 (not 37.9A).
- Check that the list of approved Children Detention Schools is the latest version.
- Verify the judge’s signature field matches the current layout.
- Ensure the electronic filing template matches the PDF version on the Courts Service site.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service publications.
- SRCSection 142 reference inferred from Children Act 2001.
- SRCSubmission method based on typical Courts Service e‑filing practice.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline of 24‑48 hours.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: list of approved schools.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 37.9 with Form 38.1 for Secure Training Centres.
Leaving the judge’s signature line blank.
Using an outdated list of approved detention schools.
Entering the adult offender’s details instead of the child’s.
Submitting the form after the child has already been moved.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.