Official form guide
Form No. 2 Interim Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23L
This form is used to apply for an Interim Special Care Order under Section 23L of the Child Care Act 1991 in Ireland. It's a temporary court order that can be made when a child needs immediate protection but a full Special Care Order cannot be arranged immediately.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 2 Interim Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23L
This form is used to apply for an Interim Special Care Order under Section 23L of the Child Care Act 1991 in Ireland. It's a temporary court order that can be made when a child needs immediate protection but a full Special Care Order cannot be arranged immediately.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not providing sufficient evidence of immediate risk to the child.
- 2Incomplete information about the child's current situation
- 3Missing documentation supporting the need for an interim order
- 4Unclear explanation of immediate risks to the child
- 5Failure to specify proposed care arrangements
Plain English
This is a legal document that helps protect children who are in immediate danger or at risk of harm. It allows a court to step in quickly to keep a child safe while longer-term arrangements are being made.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Interim applications should be made as soon as concerns arise, but typically within working hours when court staff are available. There is no statutory deadline, but delays may impact the child's safety.
- 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 immediate protection but a full Special Care Order cannot be arranged immediately
- Use when there are urgent concerns about a child's safety or welfare
- Use as a temporary measure while longer-term care arrangements are being made
- Use when a child is assessed as having special care needs under Section 23 of the Child Care Act
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Immediate risk to child but not qualifying for special care
Different legal threshold applies
✓ Check if child meets special care criteria
Child already in care but needs different arrangements
Modifies existing arrangements
✓ Review current care order before proceeding
Long-term special care order needed
Different process for permanent orders
✓ Assess if interim order is needed first
Form 4 Application for Special Care Order
Child in care but no immediate risk
Different legal pathway
✓ Confirm urgency of current situation
Standard care application process
Deadline or filing window
Interim applications should be made as soon as concerns arise, but typically within working hours when court staff are available. There is no statutory deadline, but delays may impact the child's safety.
Before you submit
- 1Form is fully completed with all sections answered
- 2All supporting documentation is attached
- 3Form is signed by the authorized applicant
- 4Correct court venue is identified
- 5Court fees are paid if required
- 6A copy is kept for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Complete the form with accurate information about the child's situation
- 2Gather all supporting evidence and reports
- 3Determine the appropriate court venue
- 4Submit the form to the court office in person or by post
- 5Pay any required court fees
- 6Obtain a receipt or proof of submission
- 7Attend any required court hearing
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to children who may need special care under Section 23 of the Act
- 2The court must be satisfied that the child has special care needs
- 3The order is temporary and cannot exceed the time limits specified in the Act
- 4The court must consider the child's views and welfare throughout the process
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 is current as of the latest Child Care Act amendments, but court procedures may change. Check the Courts Service website for the most recent version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form references the current Child Care Act 1991
- Verify court fees haven't changed since last update
- Confirm submission procedures haven't been modified
- Check if electronic filing options are now available
- Review if any recent court rulings affect this form
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number confirmed from Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCReference to Child Care Act 1991, Section 23L confirmed
- SRCIssuing agency confirmed as Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose inferred from form name and legal reference
- SRCSubmission methods based on standard Irish court procedures
- SRCCommon risks based on typical legal form errors
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current fees
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Electronic filing availability
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with emergency protection orders
Not understanding the difference between interim and final orders
Uncertainty about what constitutes 'special care needs'
Misunderstanding the court's authority under this form
Confusion about who can legally submit this application
Unclear about the time limits for interim orders
Not knowing what evidence is required to support the application
Source transparency
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