Version 1 April 2021
Supervision Orders - A Guide
What is a Supervision Order?
Under Section 31 (2) of the Children Act 1989, on the conclusion of care
proceedings, the local authority can be granted a Supervision Order. A Supervision
Order has the same threshold criteria as a Care Order, but the two orders are
completely different in application. A Care Order gives the local authority Parental
Responsibility for a child whereas a Supervision Order does not. A Supervision
Order places a responsibility on the local authority to appoint a ‘supervisor’ who will
“advise, assist and befriend” the child and those that they live with. The Children Act
states:
Supervision Orders.
While a Supervision Order is in force it shall be the duty of the supervisor:
a. To advise, assist and befriend the supervised child;
b. To take such steps as are reasonably necessary to give effect to the
order; and
c. Where:
i. The order is not wholly complied with; or
ii. The supervisor considers that the order may no longer be
necessary,
iii. To consider whether or not to apply to the court for its variation
or discharge.
The court can impose certain conditions on a child subject to a Supervision Order
as outlined in Schedule 3 (sections 35, 36) Children Act 1989
