Official form guide
Form 84.17 – Order Extending The Operation Of A Care Order - Child Care Act 1991
This form is used to extend the duration of a care order issued under the Child Care Act 1991. It should be filed when the existing care order is approaching its expiration date and needs to continue.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.17 – Order Extending The Operation Of A Care Order - Child Care Act 1991
This form is used to extend the duration of a care order issued under the Child Care Act 1991. It should be filed when the existing care order is approaching its expiration date and needs to continue.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is waiting until the last minute to file, which can cause gaps in the court's authority.
- 2Missing the deadline for extension
- 3Incomplete information about the child's current situation
- 4Insufficient justification for why the extension is necessary
- 5Incorrect court location submission
Plain English
This is a court form for keeping a care order in place when it's about to expire. A care order gives the court authority over a child's welfare, and this form keeps that authority going for longer when needed.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File this form at least 4-6 weeks before the current care order expires to allow sufficient processing time and avoid any gap in the court's authority.
- 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 this form when an existing care order needs to be extended
- Use this form only for care orders issued under the Child Care Act 1991
- Use this form before the current care order expires
- Do not use this form for initial care orders (use Form 84.16 instead)
- Use this form when the court needs to maintain authority over the child's care
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial care order needed
This form is for new care orders, not extensions
✓ Check if you're applying for a new order or extending an existing one
Discharge of care order
This form ends the court's authority, not extends it
✓ Confirm you want to continue, not end, the care order
Emergency protection order
This provides immediate short-term protection
✓ Check if your situation requires immediate emergency intervention
Guardianship application
This deals with parental rights, not care orders
✓ Determine if you're seeking care or guardianship arrangements
Deadline or filing window
File this form at least 4-6 weeks before the current care order expires to allow sufficient processing time and avoid any gap in the court's authority.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
- 2Include the child's full name and date of birth
- 3Attach a copy of the current care order
- 4Provide clear reasons for the extension
- 5Verify the correct court address for submission
- 6Include contact information for all parties involved
- 7Check that all required signatures are present
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current Form 84.17 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the child and current care arrangements
- 3Gather supporting documents including the current care order and any relevant reports
- 4Submit the completed form to the court that issued the original care order
- 5Pay any required court fees or apply for a fee exemption if applicable
- 6Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
- 7Follow up with the court if you haven't received acknowledgment within 2 weeks
Known limitations
- 1This form cannot be used to create a new care order
- 2The extension must be justified with current information about the child's welfare needs
- 3The court may request additional information or a hearing before approving the extension
- 4The maximum extension period may be limited by law
- 5Digital submission options may be limited depending on the court's procedures
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 84.17 is the current version for extending care orders under the Child Care Act 1991, but always verify with the Courts Service website for any recent updates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form number matches Form 84.17
- Check that the reference to the Child Care Act 1991 is current
- Ensure all court addresses and contact details are up to date
- Confirm any recent changes to required supporting documents
- Check if digital submission options are now available
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland (confirmed from form details)
- SRCRelated to Child Care Act 1991 (confirmed from form name)
- SRCUsed for extending existing care orders (confirmed from form name)
- SRCTypically filed by Child and Family Agency (inferred from standard care order procedures)
- SRCSubmitted to Family/District Court (inferred from court structure)
- SRCRequires notice before expiration (inferred from standard legal procedures)
- SRCMay require supporting documentation (inferred from standard court procedures)
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with the initial care order application (Form 84.16)
Unclear about how much notice is needed before the current order expires
Uncertainty about which court has jurisdiction to hear the extension application
Confusion about who needs to be notified of the extension application
Unclear about the required supporting documentation
Misunderstanding about the process if the extension is contested
Confusion about fees and exemptions for this form
Source transparency
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