Form 84.40O – Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23F (1) (As Inserted By Section 16 Of The Children Act 2001)

What this form is for

• • Use when seeking a care order under Section 23F(1) specifically
• • For emergency protection situations requiring immediate court intervention
• • When less intrusive interventions have been considered but are insufficient
• • When the child's safety is at risk in their current care environment

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

Care order applications should be submitted as soon as concerns about a child's welfare arise. There is no fixed deadline, but delays in submitting may affect the child's safety and the court's ability to intervene promptly.

Before you submit

• • Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
• • Include the child's full details and current address
• • Attach all relevant assessments and reports
• • Verify the correct court location for submission
• • Check that you're using the latest version of the form
• • Prepare copies for all parties involved in the case

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct version of Form 84.40O from the Courts Service
2. 2Complete all sections with detailed information about the child and circumstances
3. 3Gather supporting documents and assessments
4. 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office
5. 5Serve copies on all relevant parties as required by court rules
6. 6Attend any preliminary hearings scheduled by the court

Known limitations

• • This form cannot be used for emergency protection orders
• • The form requires detailed information about the child's current situation
• • Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases
• • The court must be satisfied that the child's welfare requires a care order