No. 1 Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23H

What this form is for

• • Use when a child needs protection beyond what voluntary care can provide
• • Apply when a child is suffering or is at risk of suffering significant harm
• • Use when other court orders like supervision orders have not been effective
• • Apply when a child is beyond parental control and in need of special care
• • Use when immediate intervention is required to protect the child

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no standard deadline, but the form should be submitted as soon as a child's situation requires special care, with emergency applications processed more quickly.

Before you submit

• • All sections of the form completed fully
• • Relevant supporting documents attached
• • Medical or psychological assessments if available
• • Information about previous care attempts included
• • Court fee payment confirmed or exemption verified
• • Form signed by all required parties
• • Copies made for personal records

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct form from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the child
3. 3Gather supporting documentation and evidence
4. 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office
5. 5Attend any required court hearings
6. 6Follow up with court officials on the status of the application

Known limitations

• • This form cannot be used for emergency situations requiring immediate intervention
• • It may not be appropriate for children with specific disabilities requiring specialized care arrangements
• • The form does not address international aspects if the child has connections to other countries
• • It may not cover situations where the child's capacity to consent is a significant factor