care order

care order

a court order committing the care of a child to a local authority. The authority has the same powers and duties as a parent or guardian, except that it cannot alter the child's religion or consent to an adoption. While a care order is in force, the rights and powers of the parents or guardian are overridden. In Scotland a different system applies whereby a reporter investigates matters and, if appropriate, brings the case before a children's hearing where, if matters are established, the court can order supervision of the child or order it to reside in a residential establishment.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006