Court order

A court order is a decision made by the court which the person or organisation identified in the order must follow. A court order will always be written down and everyone involved in the case will be given a copy. The order will set out what must happen and will make clear how long the order will remain in force.

If someone wants to amend or end a court order before it expires, they must apply to the court that made the order.

Types of court order in respect of children include:

• Care order
• Child arrangements order
• Emergency protection order
• Special guardianship order
• Supervision order
• Adoption order. An adoption order is permanent. Once made it cannot be changed, apart from in exceptional circumstances.

Courts can also make interim (i.e. temporary) orders before a case has been concluded. At the start of care proceedings, for example, the court might make an interim care order or interim supervision order setting out what arrangements must be made to ensure the child’s welfare until the court can make a final decision.