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All Legal Journeys
Family Law
England & Wales
6 stages
26 weeks (statutory target)
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Care proceedings journey (children)
Local authority application for care or supervision order under s.31 Children Act 1989.
Who Uses This Journey
Parents and children involved in local authority care proceedings — non-means-tested legal aid available.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Section 7/37 enquiries
LA gathers evidence about welfare concerns.
2
2
PLO meeting
Pre-proceedings letter and meeting — last chance to avoid court.
3
3
Application issued
LA files Form C110A. Court timetables proceedings to 26 weeks.
Forms at This Stage
4
4
Case Management Hearing
Identify issues, expert evidence (psychological, medical), schedule of findings.
5
5
Issues Resolution / Final Hearing
Court applies the welfare checklist (s.1(3) Children Act 1989).
6
6
Order
Care order (LA shares PR), supervision order, special guardianship, placement order, or no order.
Possible Outcomes
- Care order
- Supervision order
- Special guardianship
- Placement order
- Discharge of proceedings