Official form guide
Form No. 1 Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23H
This form is used to apply for a Special Care Order under Section 23H of the Child Care Act 1991 in Ireland. It's typically used when a child needs care and protection that cannot be provided through voluntary arrangements or other court orders.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 1 Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23H
This form is used to apply for a Special Care Order under Section 23H of the Child Care Act 1991 in Ireland. It's typically used when a child needs care and protection that cannot be provided through voluntary arrangements or other court orders.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not providing sufficient evidence that all other care options have been exhausted.
- 2Incomplete information about the child's current situation
- 3Missing medical or psychological assessment reports
- 4Failure to document previous attempts at alternative care arrangements
- 5Incorrect court jurisdiction details
Plain English
This form helps the courts decide if a child needs to be placed in special care when they are at risk or in danger. It's used when other options aren't enough to keep the child safe.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 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.
- 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 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
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Voluntary care arrangement
Less formal, no court order
✓ Check if parents agree to the arrangement
Supervision order
Less restrictive than special care
✓ Check if the child can remain at home with supervision
Emergency care order
Immediate temporary protection
✓ Check if immediate action is needed before full hearing
Care order under Section 18
Longer-term care arrangement
✓ Check if the situation requires ongoing care beyond special needs
Assessment order
Evaluates child's needs without care order
✓ Check if more information is needed before proceeding
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
- 1All sections of the form completed fully
- 2Relevant supporting documents attached
- 3Medical or psychological assessments if available
- 4Information about previous care attempts included
- 5Court fee payment confirmed or exemption verified
- 6Form signed by all required parties
- 7Copies made for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct form from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the child
- 3Gather supporting documentation and evidence
- 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office
- 5Attend any required court hearings
- 6Follow up with court officials on the status of the application
Known limitations
- 1This form cannot be used for emergency situations requiring immediate intervention
- 2It may not be appropriate for children with specific disabilities requiring specialized care arrangements
- 3The form does not address international aspects if the child has connections to other countries
- 4It may not cover situations where the child's capacity to consent is a significant factor
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This form remains in active use under current Irish child protection legislation, though specific procedures may vary by court region.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form is the most current version from the Courts Service website
- Check that all references to legislation are up to date
- Ensure contact information for relevant authorities is current
- Review if recent changes to child protection laws affect this form
- Confirm court fee requirements haven't changed
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCBased on Child Care Act 1991, Section 23H
- SRCStandard procedure for special care orders in Ireland
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific court fee amounts
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current processing times
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Required supporting documentation checklist
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Contact details for specific court offices
Common confusion points
The difference between a Special Care Order and other care orders
Who has the legal authority to submit this form
What level of risk to the child justifies a Special Care Order
How long the process typically takes from application to order
Whether legal representation is required
The rights of parents during the application process
What happens if the application is refused
The process for reviewing or varying the order after it's made
Source transparency
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