Official form guide
Form No. 4 Order to Search For and Deliver a Child for the Purposes of Executing *a Special Care Order *An Interim Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, *Section 23h(3)(b) * Section 23l(4)(b)
This is a court order form used to authorize the search for and delivery of a child for the purpose of executing a Special Care Order or an Interim Special Care Order under the Child Care Act 1991. It is used when a court has determined that a child needs to be taken into care for their own protection and welfare.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 4 Order to Search For and Deliver a Child for the Purposes of Executing *a Special Care Order *An Interim Special Care Order - Child Care Act 1991, *Section 23h(3)(b) * Section 23l(4)(b)
This is a court order form used to authorize the search for and delivery of a child for the purpose of executing a Special Care Order or an Interim Special Care Order under the Child Care Act 1991. It is used when a court has determined that a child needs to be taken into care for their own protection and welfare.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure all child identification details are completely accurate to prevent wrongful apprehension.
- 2Incorrect child information may lead to wrong child being taken into care
- 3Missing signatures could delay enforcement of the order
- 4Outdated form version may not comply with current legal requirements
- 5Insufficient documentation of the legal basis for the order
Plain English
This form helps courts arrange to find a child and place them in protective care when there are serious concerns about their safety or wellbeing. It's part of a legal process designed to protect children who may be at risk of harm.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed deadline for submitting this form, but it should be submitted promptly after the Special Care Order is made to ensure timely enforcement for the child's protection.
- 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 executing a Special Care Order under Section 23h
- Use when executing an Interim Special Care Order under Section 23l
- Not for standard care orders - different form required
- Not for emergency protection orders - different form required
- Only for cases where court has already issued the relevant order
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Emergency protection needed
Different legal basis and procedure
✓ Check if immediate danger exists
Standard care order without special provisions
Different legal threshold and requirements
✓ Determine if special care is necessary
International child abduction case
Different legal framework and procedures
✓ Verify jurisdiction and applicable treaties
Child already in care but needs transfer
Different process for existing cases
✓ Confirm child is already in care
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline for submitting this form, but it should be submitted promptly after the Special Care Order is made to ensure timely enforcement for the child's protection.
Before you submit
- 1Verify all child identification details are correct
- 2Ensure the relevant court order number is included
- 3Check that all required signatures are present
- 4Confirm the correct court office for submission
- 5Verify the form is the most current version
- 6Ensure all supporting documentation is attached
- 7Double-check that the legal basis sections are properly completed
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the completed form from the court office or Courts Service website
- 2Fill in all required sections with accurate information
- 3Obtain necessary signatures from authorized court officials
- 4Submit to the appropriate court office as directed by the judge
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
- 6Follow up with court officials to confirm receipt
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to Special Care Orders, not standard care orders
- 2It cannot be used for emergency situations requiring immediate action
- 3The form does not replace the need for a proper court hearing
- 4It cannot be used for international child abduction cases
- 5Additional court approval may be required for certain circumstances
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 currently in use under the Child Care Act 1991, but check for any recent amendments to the legislation that might affect its use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form references the current Child Care Act 1991
- Check if recent court judgments have affected the procedure
- Confirm if electronic submission options have changed
- Verify if the form has been updated to reflect recent legislative changes
- Check if notification requirements have been modified
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
- SRCReferences Sections 23h(3)(b) and 23l(4)(b)
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current submission procedures
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Electronic filing options
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Recent form updates
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific documentation requirements
Common confusion points
Confusing Special Care Orders with standard care orders
Unclear about which sections apply to Special Care vs Interim Special Care Orders
Misunderstanding the legal basis under Section 23h or 23l
Uncertain about who has authority to sign the form
Confusion about the process for delivering the child to care
Unclear about notification requirements for all parties
Misunderstanding the timeframe for executing the order
Source transparency
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