What is a Supervision Order?

A Supervision Order is one of many orders that the Court has the power to grant a Local Authority in Childcare Proceedings under section 35 Children Act 1989. The purpose of a Supervision Order is to impose a duty on the Local Authority to support the subject children and their carers with fulfilling the children’s basic care needs by proving support and advice where it is needed.

What is a Supervision Order?

A Supervision Order is one of many orders that can be made by the Court during Childcare Proceedings which imposes a duty on the Local Authority to advise, assist and befriend the children   who are subject of the order. In practice, a Supervision Order means that the Local Authority can  also advise, assist, and befriend the person/persons caring for the subject children as well, especially where the children are young.  Under another section of the Children Act 1989 the Local Authority can assist parents with the basic care of the subject children and other day to day responsibilities of caring for children, such as ensuring there is enough food in the family home and transport to and from school. In essence, the Local Authority can help the parents or carers care for children and ensure the children’s needs are being met. A Supervision Order will often be accompanied by a Supervision Plan in which the Local Authority will detail what is going to happen and be expected of a parent. If a parent does not co-operate, such as not allowing the social worker to see the children then it is likely that the Local Authority will take the matter back to Court and possibly escalate by asking for Care Order to be made.

What are the limits of a Supervision Order?

The most significant difference with a Supervision Order is that the Local Authority does not share parental responsibility over the subject children. Unlike a Care Order, the Local Authority cannot make decisions on behalf of the children or override the decisions of parents where they are exercising their parental responsibility. The purpose of a Supervision Order is to assist the carers of the subject children only.

How long does a Supervision Order last?

A Supervision Order is granted for a one-year period and will automatically cease to have effect at the end of that one year period. An application can be made by the Local Authority to extend a Supervision Order if the circumstances require an extension. However, a Supervision Order cannot be extended for a period longer than three years, no matter what the circumstances may be. A Supervision Order is not intended to act as a long-term order.

How can Johnson Astills Help?

If you the Local Authority have sent you issued Care Proceedings in relation to your children, then we may be able to help. Please contact  Johnson Astills at either our Leicester Office on 0116 255 4855 or our Loughborough Office on 01509 610 312 and ask for a member of the Care Team so that we can advise you accordingly. Alternatively, please email us on careteam@johnsonastills.com and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.