Official form guide
Form 84.56 – Order That Child Be Delivered Up To Custody Of Health Board - Child Care Act, 1991 Section 46(3)
This form is a court order directing the delivery of a child to the custody of a Health Board under Section 46(3) of the Child Care Act, 1991. It is used when a court determines that a child should be placed in Health Board care for protection or welfare reasons.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.56 – Order That Child Be Delivered Up To Custody Of Health Board - Child Care Act, 1991 Section 46(3)
This form is a court order directing the delivery of a child to the custody of a Health Board under Section 46(3) of the Child Care Act, 1991. It is used when a court determines that a child should be placed in Health Board care for protection or welfare reasons.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure all parties are properly served with the court order to avoid enforcement delays.
- 2Incomplete information about the child or parties
- 3Incorrect legal citations or references to the Child Care Act
- 4Missing signatures from court officials
- 5Failure to properly serve all relevant parties
Plain English
This is a legal document that tells someone responsible for a child that they must hand the child over to a Health Board. Health Boards in Ireland manage child welfare services, and this form is used when a court has decided a child needs their care for safety reasons.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no standard deadline for filing this form, but it should be submitted as soon as possible after the court has made the decision to place the child in Health Board custody, especially in cases where the child's safety is at immediate risk.
- 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 a court order is needed to transfer custody of a child to a Health Board
- Use this form when voluntary agreement cannot be reached with the child's current caregivers
- Use this form when Section 46(3) of the Child Care Act, 1991 is the legal basis for the order
- Use this form when the child's safety requires immediate intervention by a Health Board
- Use this form for children under 18 years old in need of protection or care
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Voluntary care agreement
For situations where parents agree to child being placed in Health Board care
✓ Check if all parties consent before using this form
Emergency protection order
For immediate protection of a child in danger
✓ Use only when immediate action is required without time for standard proceedings
Care order application
For longer-term care arrangements beyond temporary custody
✓ Check if long-term care is needed rather than temporary custody
Supervision order
When child remains with parents under supervision
✓ Verify if supervision is sufficient before seeking custody transfer
Deadline or filing window
There is no standard deadline for filing this form, but it should be submitted as soon as possible after the court has made the decision to place the child in Health Board custody, especially in cases where the child's safety is at immediate risk.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm all sections of the form are completed with accurate information
- 2Verify that the correct legal citation (Child Care Act, 1991 Section 46(3)) is referenced
- 3Ensure the form has been signed by the appropriate court official
- 4Check that all relevant parties have been properly served with the order
- 5Make sure a copy of the signed order has been provided to the Health Board
- 6Confirm that the form is filed in the correct court jurisdiction
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the official Form 84.56 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the child and parties involved
- 3Have the form reviewed and signed by the appropriate court official
- 4Prepare copies of the signed order for all relevant parties
- 5Serve the order on the person(s) from whom the child is to be delivered
- 6File the original form with the court clerk
- 7Provide a copy to the relevant Health Board for implementation
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to children under 18 years old
- 2The form requires a court order and cannot be used for voluntary arrangements
- 3The form does not replace other necessary legal procedures in child care cases
- 4Enforcement of the order may require additional legal action if resisted
- 5The form is specific to Irish law and cannot be used in other jurisdictions
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 as of the latest available information from the Courts Service of Ireland, but users should verify the latest version on the official website before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify that the form number matches Form 84.56 to ensure you're using the correct version
- Check for any recent amendments to Section 46(3) of the Child Care Act, 1991
- Confirm that the form includes all required fields for current legal requirements
- Ensure any contact information for Health Boards is up to date
- Check if digital submission options are now available for this form
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCBased on Child Care Act, 1991 Section 46(3)
- SRCForm number: Form 84.56
- SRCRelated to custody orders for children in Ireland
- SRCUsed for transferring children to Health Board care
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current digital submission options
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Recent amendments to the form
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific contact information for Health Boards
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with voluntary care agreements (Form 84.55)
Misunderstanding the difference between temporary custody and long-term care orders
Not knowing which court has jurisdiction for the case
Uncertainty about who needs to be served with the order
Confusion about the legal basis for the order under Section 46(3)
Not understanding the enforcement process if the order is resisted
Source transparency
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