Section 31 – Care Order / Interim Care Order

Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 – Care Order. The court can create a care order under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act placing a child in the care of a designated local authority, with parental responsibility being shared between the parents and the local authority.

Interim Care Order (ICO)

The Local Authority can apply for an Interim Care Order as part of care proceedings if there are concerns that the child is experiencing significant harm. It is a temporary order which gives the Local Authority parental responsibility for the child (alongside parents), and means that they can determine where the child will live and make arrangements to protect the child whilst further assessment is ongoing and the court establishes the full picture.

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