Official form guide
Form No. 9 Warrant - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(6)
Form No. 9 Warrant – Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(6) is a court‑issued document that authorises a specific action concerning a child’s care under the Act. It is used when a court decides a warrant is needed, for example to enforce a protection order or to secure a child’s removal.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 9 Warrant - Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(6)
Form No. 9 Warrant – Child Care Act 1991, Section 23NI(6) is a court‑issued document that authorises a specific action concerning a child’s care under the Act. It is used when a court decides a warrant is needed, for example to enforce a protection order or to secure a child’s removal.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving out the court reference number, which can render the warrant unenforceable.
- 2Incorrect child details (name or DOB)
- 3Missing court reference number
- 4Wrong legal citation or section
- 5Omitting required signatures or stamps
Plain English
Think of this as the paper a judge signs when they need to take fast action to protect a child. It tells the relevant authorities what they must do and gives them legal power to do it. The form is filled out by the court clerk and then sent to the parties involved.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be issued and served as soon as practicable after the court decision, typically within 24 hours, to avoid jeopardising 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
- When a court orders a child’s removal for protection under Section 23NI(6).
- When a protection order needs to be enforced by Gardaí or social services.
- When the court specifies a time‑limited power to act.
- When an existing care order is being varied and a new warrant is required.
- When the child’s location is unknown and a search warrant is needed.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Child placement order
Used for long‑term placement, not immediate removal
✓ Verify if a placement order is sufficient
Protection order without warrant
No warrant needed if only a court order is sufficient
✓ Confirm the need for a warrant
Emergency removal by Gardaí
Used for immediate Garda‑led removal before court
✓ Use only if court has not yet issued a warrant
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be issued and served as soon as practicable after the court decision, typically within 24 hours, to avoid jeopardising the child’s safety.
Before you submit
- 1Child’s full name, DOB and current address entered correctly.
- 2Correct court reference number included.
- 3Exact wording of the court’s order copied verbatim.
- 4Section 23NI(6) correctly cited.
- 5All required signatures and official stamps applied.
- 6Copies prepared for each agency named in the order.
- 7Date of issue entered.
- 8Form printed on official court stationery.
- 9No stray marks or erasures on the document.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest Form No. 9 from the Courts Service portal.
- 2Complete all fields using the court’s order as a guide.
- 3Have the clerk sign and affix the court seal.
- 4File the original with the court registry.
- 5Mail or courier copies to Gardaí, social services, and any other named parties.
- 6Log the dispatch dates and receipt confirmations.
- 7Retain a copy in the case file for future reference.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to warrants under Section 23NI(6).
- 2Not suitable for general child care orders or placement orders.
- 3Requires a prior court decision; cannot be used proactively.
- 4Must be issued on official court paper to be valid.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form No. 9 remains the standard warrant under Section 23NI(6). No recent redesigns have been announced, but always check the Courts Service portal for the latest version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows the latest Courts Service logo.
- Check that the section reference reads ‘Section 23NI(6)’.
- Verify the required signature fields (Clerk, Judge) are present.
- Ensure there is a field for the court reference number.
- Look for any new mandatory check‑boxes added in the latest version.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from user input.
- SRCIssuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from form name.
- SRCSection 23NI(6) reference taken from form name.
- SRCPurpose of warrant inferred from Child Care Act 1991 contextnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCSubmission method (post/registry) based on typical Irish court practicenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCRisk list derived from common form‑filling errorsnot confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Section 23NI(6) with other sections of the Child Care Act.
Leaving the court reference number blank.
Using an outdated form version without the new signature fields.
Sending the warrant only to the court and forgetting the Gardaí.
Failing to include the exact wording of the judge’s order.
Assuming the form can be filed electronically when the court requires paper.
Not checking that the child’s address is current.
Source transparency
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