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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

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.

The form captures information about the child's situation, the reasons why an interim order is needed, details of any risks to the child, and proposed arrangements for the child's care during the interim period.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is not providing sufficient evidence of immediate risk to the child.
  • Incomplete information about the child's current situation
  • Missing documentation supporting the need for an interim order
  • Unclear explanation of immediate risks to the child
  • Failure 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

  • 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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Glossary Terms

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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

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Immediate risk to child but not qualifying for special careForm 1 Emergency Care OrderDifferent legal threshold appliesCheck if child meets special care criteria
Child already in care but needs different arrangementsForm 3 Variation of Care OrderModifies existing arrangementsReview current care order before proceeding
Long-term special care order neededForm 4 Application for Special Care OrderDifferent process for permanent ordersAssess if interim order is needed first
Child in care but no immediate riskStandard care application processDifferent legal pathwayConfirm urgency of current situation

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

  • Form is fully completed with all sections answered
  • All supporting documentation is attached
  • Form is signed by the authorized applicant
  • Correct court venue is identified
  • Court fees are paid if required
  • A copy is kept for personal records

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete the form with accurate information about the child's situation
  2. 2Gather all supporting evidence and reports
  3. 3Determine the appropriate court venue
  4. 4Submit the form to the court office in person or by post
  5. 5Pay any required court fees
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or proof of submission
  7. 7Attend any required court hearing

Known limitations

  • This form only applies to children who may need special care under Section 23 of the Act
  • The court must be satisfied that the child has special care needs
  • The order is temporary and cannot exceed the time limits specified in the Act
  • The court must consider the child's views and welfare throughout the process

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Current Form Status

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.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

This form is typically completed by social workers, legal representatives, or other professionals involved in child protection cases who are making an application to the court.
The form captures information about the child's situation, the reasons why an interim order is needed, details of any risks to the child, and proposed arrangements for the child's care during the interim period.
This form should be submitted when a child is at immediate risk and requires protection before a full Special Care Order can be processed by the court.
Submit this form to the relevant District Court office or family law court in Ireland, either in person, by post, or through the Courts Service's electronic filing system if available.
Submitting accurate information promptly ensures the court can make informed decisions to protect the child. Errors or delays could result in the child remaining in a potentially unsafe situation.
Complete all sections with clear, factual information about the child's circumstances. Attach any supporting evidence or reports. Sign the form and submit it to the appropriate court office. Keep a copy for your records.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
27/01/26

No. 2 Interim Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23L

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After you file

  • Keep track of court dates and attend all hearings
  • Monitor the child's situation and report any changes to the court
  • Follow up with the court clerk if you haven't received confirmation
  • Prepare for any assessment or review the court may order
  • Consider seeking legal advice if the application is contested

Source and verification log

  • Form name and number confirmed from Courts Service of Ireland
  • Reference to Child Care Act 1991, Section 23L confirmed
  • Issuing agency confirmed as Courts Service of Ireland
  • Purpose inferred from form name and legal reference
  • Submission methods based on standard Irish court procedures
  • Common risks based on typical legal form errors
  • Not confirmed in official source: Current fees
  • Not confirmed in official source: Electronic filing availability

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing this form with emergency protection orders

  • 2

    Not understanding the difference between interim and final orders

  • 3

    Uncertainty about what constitutes 'special care needs'

  • 4

    Misunderstanding the court's authority under this form

  • 5

    Confusion about who can legally submit this application

  • 6

    Unclear about the time limits for interim orders

  • 7

    Not knowing what evidence is required to support the application

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