Claire Cousin

This Practice Note provides answers to the most commonly asked questions in relation to the legislative frame work behind care and supervision orders. It provides an overview to the grounds for and effects of both care and supervision orders, explains who can apply for them as well as highlighting the principle differences between the two outcomes. It should be read in conjunction with the procedural guide to public law proceedings relating to children contained in our Public children—Public law Outline 2014.

This Practice Note outlines a local authority’s responsibilities to safeguard children through child protection conferences, as set out in the working together to safeguard children statutory guidance 2023. It covers convening an Initial Child Protection Case Conference, reviewing a child protection plan and a local authority’s duties to children who are subject to a child protection plan.

This Practice Note covers eligibility for public funding in care proceedings, what is covered by the public funding including expert witness fees, translation costs and what is not covered without prior authority. It covers the application for prior authority and gives guidance on what is likely to be granted.

This Practice Note outlines a local authority’s duty to provide accommodation to children under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989) and explains voluntary accommodation under ChA 1989, s 20, identifying the challenges a local authority may face including ensuring appropriate delegation of parental authority and issues around parental capacity.