Section 44 – Emergency Protection Order (EPO)

This is a temporary order which lasts for up to 8 days and gives the Local Authority shared parental responsibility for the child so that they can determine where the child should stay for their safety (Section 44, Children Act 1989).

The order can be extended by up to 7 days if the Local Authority or NSPCC apply on the basis that the child is likely to suffer significant harm if the order isn’t extended.

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