Court Orders
Prohibited Steps Orders
Free, confidential help to stop your child being taken from your care, moved abroad or put at risk.
In immediate danger? Call 999. If you can’t speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted.
In immediate danger? Call 999. If you can’t speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted.
What a Prohibited Steps Order can do
A Prohibited Steps Order is a Family Court order under the Children Act 1989. It stops a parent, or anyone else named in the order, from taking certain steps about your child without the court’s permission.
Stops them going abroad
Prevents your child being taken out of the country.
Keeps them in your care
Stops your child being removed from your care, nursery or school.
Stops big changes
Such as changing your child’s school or name without agreement.
Protects from named people
Can stop your child being brought into contact with a named person.
The court’s decision is always based on what’s best for your child.
Need protection for yourself as well? It can be applied for alongside a Non-Molestation Order.
How it works
Contact us
We talk through your situation and your concerns for your child, free of charge.
Funding
Legal aid can be available where there’s evidence of domestic abuse, subject to means testing.
Your application
Your application and statement explaining your concerns for your child are prepared and submitted to court.
Urgent orders
If there’s a risk your child will be removed from your care, the court can make an emergency order.
The hearing
The court decides what’s best for your child. You can ask for a screen so you don’t have to see the other person.
Serving the order
The order is formally delivered to the other person, so they know exactly what they can’t do.
Who can apply?
You can apply straight away if you are:
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Either of the child’s parents if they are on the birth certificate
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The child’s legal guardian
You don’t need to have reported anything to the police to apply.
Not sure where you stand? We’ll check for you, free.
Frequently asked questions
Worried about your child’s safety?
Speak to one of our advocates. Free and confidential. Monday to Friday 08:45–17:45, with an out-of-hours service 24/7.
In immediate danger? Call 999. If you can’t speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted.
In immediate danger? Call 999. If you can’t speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted.