Official form guide
Form 84.40A – Notice Of Application For A Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23B (As Inserted By Section 16 Of The Children Act 2001)
Form 84.40A is a formal notice used when applying for a Special Care Order under Irish child protection law. It's required when seeking court authorization to place a child in special care due to welfare concerns.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.40A – Notice Of Application For A Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23B (As Inserted By Section 16 Of The Children Act 2001)
Form 84.40A is a formal notice used when applying for a Special Care Order under Irish child protection law. It's required when seeking court authorization to place a child in special care due to welfare concerns.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Incomplete or inaccurate information about the child's immediate safety needs can cause significant delays.
- 2Incomplete information may delay the court process
- 3Missing supporting evidence could weaken the application
- 4Incorrect legal references might invalidate the notice
- 5Failure to notify all parties properly
Plain English
This form tells the court that someone wants to get a Special Care Order for a child. A Special Care Order is when a child needs special protection and care that their parents can't provide.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed deadline, but the form should be submitted as soon as possible once a child is assessed as needing special care.
- 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 seeking a Special Care Order for a child in need of protection
- Required for applications under Section 23B of the Child Care Act
- Not for emergency protection orders - use Form 84.40 for those
- Different from care orders under Section 18 of the Child Care Act
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Emergency protection needed
Different legal basis and faster process
✓ Check if immediate danger exists
Standard care order application
Different legal threshold and process
✓ Confirm which order type is appropriate
Appealing a care order decision
Different process and timeframes
✓ Verify if this is an appeal or initial application
Seeking access rights
Addresses different legal issues
✓ Determine if access or care is the primary concern
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline, but the form should be submitted as soon as possible once a child is assessed as needing special care.
Before you submit
- 1All sections completed with accurate information
- 2Supporting evidence attached
- 3Correct court location identified
- 4All relevant parties notified
- 5Form signed by authorized person
- 6Copy retained for records
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
- 2Gather supporting evidence about the child's welfare needs
- 3Submit to the appropriate District Court office
- 4Ensure all parties receive proper notification
- 5Attend any required court hearings
- 6Keep copies of all submitted documents
Known limitations
- 1This form alone does not guarantee the court will grant the Special Care Order
- 2The court may request additional information or assessments
- 3Timeframes for court decisions can vary significantly
- 4Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases
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->This form is current under the Child Care Act 1991 as amended by the Children Act 2001. Always verify the latest version with the Courts Service.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form includes the latest amendments from the Children Act 2001
- Check that all references to legal sections are current
- Verify that the form number matches the latest version from the Courts Service
- Ensure contact information for the Courts Service is up to date
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number: 84.40A confirmed from Courts Service
- SRCLegal basis: Child Care Act 1991, Section 23B (as inserted by Children Act 2001)
- SRCIssuing agency: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose: Application for Special Care Order
- SRCSpecific procedures: not confirmed in official source
- SRCCurrent version status: not confirmed in official source
- SRCRequired supporting documents: not confirmed in official source
- SRCProcessing timeframes: not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusing Special Care Orders with standard care orders
Unclear about who has authority to submit the form
Not understanding the legal threshold for a Special Care Order
Difficulty identifying the correct court location
Uncertain about what supporting evidence is required
Confusion about notification requirements for all parties
Source transparency
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