Official form guide
Form No. 7 Information for Order for Delivery of Child to the Custody of Child and Family Agency - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(4)
This form is used to request a court order for delivering a child to the custody of the Child and Family Agency under Section 23NI(4) of the Child Care Act 1991. It should be filed when there are concerns about a child's welfare requiring official intervention by the Child and Family Agency.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 7 Information for Order for Delivery of Child to the Custody of Child and Family Agency - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(4)
This form is used to request a court order for delivering a child to the custody of the Child and Family Agency under Section 23NI(4) of the Child Care Act 1991. It should be filed when there are concerns about a child's welfare requiring official intervention by the Child and Family Agency.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is failing to provide sufficient evidence that the child is at immediate risk and requires Child and Family Agency intervention.
- 2Incomplete information about the child's current situation
- 3Missing supporting documentation
- 4Delays in submitting when a child is at immediate risk
- 5Incorrect legal references to sections of the Child Care Act
Plain English
This form helps the court decide if a child should be placed in the care of the Child and Family Agency when their safety or well-being is at risk. It provides important information to help judges understand why this step is necessary for the child's protection.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no standard deadline for this form as it's typically used in urgent situations where immediate court intervention is needed to protect a child at risk.
- 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 seeking a court order specifically for Child and Family Agency custody
- Appropriate when a child is deemed to be at risk and needs protection
- Required for formal legal proceedings under Section 23NI(4) of the Child Care Act
- Not for routine custody arrangements between parents
- Use when other informal interventions have failed to address child welfare concerns
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Emergency protection concerns
For immediate protection when there's imminent danger to a child
✓ Check if the situation requires immediate intervention
Form 8 Emergency Protection Order
Care proceedings application
For ongoing care proceedings beyond the initial custody order
✓ Verify if this is the start of longer-term care proceedings
Form 1 Application for Care Order
Access arrangements
For determining contact between child and non-custodial parent
✓ Ensure you're not seeking access rather than custody
Guardianship issues
For matters related to parental rights and responsibilities
✓ Confirm the issue is about custody, not guardianship
Form 6 Application for Guardianship Order
Deadline or filing window
There is no standard deadline for this form as it's typically used in urgent situations where immediate court intervention is needed to protect a child at risk.
Before you submit
- 1All sections of the form are completed
- 2Child's personal details are accurate and up-to-date
- 3Supporting documentation is attached and referenced
- 4Legal basis for the application is clearly stated
- 5Contact information for all relevant parties is included
- 6The specific section of the Child Care Act is correctly referenced
- 7The form is signed by the authorized person filing it
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the official Form 7 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the child and circumstances
- 3Gather all relevant supporting documents and evidence
- 4Review the completed form for completeness and accuracy
- 5Submit the form to the appropriate court office through legal representation
- 6Keep a copy of the submitted form and all supporting documents
- 7Follow up with the court to confirm receipt and next steps
Known limitations
- 1This form cannot be used to bypass proper legal procedures
- 2It does not guarantee that the court will grant the requested order
- 3The form must be accompanied by appropriate evidence of the child's need for protection
- 4It cannot be used for emergency situations requiring immediate intervention without court approval
- 5The form is specific to Child and Family Agency custody arrangements and not for other types of orders
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 version issued by the Courts Service of Ireland, but procedures may change, so always verify the most recent requirements with the court or legal representatives.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Updated references to current legislation
- Modified sections to align with recent child welfare policy changes
- Enhanced guidance on completing the form accurately
- Added clarification about required supporting documentation
- Updated contact information for relevant agencies
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCRelated to Section 23NI(4) of the Child Care Act 1991
- SRCUsed specifically for orders delivering children to Child and Family Agency custody
- SRCPart of the child care proceedings process in Irish courts
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current processing times
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific fees associated with filing
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Digital submission options
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Recent amendments to the form
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with applications for custody arrangements between parents
Uncertainty about what level of risk justifies Child and Family Agency involvement
Misunderstanding the difference between emergency protection and ongoing care orders
Confusion about who has the authority to file this form
Unclear about the relationship between this form and other child care proceedings
Misconceptions about the automatic nature of Child and Family Agency custody
Confusion about the role of different professionals in the process
Source transparency
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