PART VCARE AND SUPERVISION

Powers of court

Investigation into child's circumstances56

1

Where, in any family proceedings in which a question arises with respect to the welfare of any child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care or a supervision order to be made with respect to him, the court may direct the appropriate authority to undertake an investigation of the child's circumstances.

2

Where the court gives a direction under this Article the authority concerned shall, when undertaking the investigation, consider whether it should—

a

apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child;

b

provide services or assistance for the child or his family; or

c

take any other action with respect to the child.

3

Where an authority undertakes an investigation under this Article, and decides not to apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child concerned, the authority shall inform the court of—

a

its reasons for so deciding;

b

any service or assistance which the authority has provided, or intends to provide, for the child and his family; and

c

any other action which the authority has taken, or proposes to take, with respect to the child.

4

The information shall be given to the court before the end of the period of eight weeks beginning with the date of the direction, unless the court otherwise directs.

5

The authority named in a direction under paragraph (1) must be—

a

the authority in whose area the child is ordinarily resident; or

b

where the child is not ordinarily resident in the area of an authority, the authority within whose area any circumstances arose in consequence of which the direction is being given.

6

If, on the conclusion of any investigation or review under this Article, the authority decides not to apply for a care or a supervision order with respect to the child—

a

the authority shall consider whether it would be appropriate to review the case at a later date; and

b

if the authority decides that it would be, the authority shall determine the date on which that review is to begin.