HMCTS issues FPL portal guidance on issuing child assessment orders

Local Authorities will be able to commence proceedings with a child assessment application within the digital service, there will no longer be a requirement for these to be sent and issued at the local court.

For the full guidance with images to show the step-by-step process, click here.

Guidance on how to issue a child assessment order

The Local Authority will log into the system and start a new application in the same way they do for care proceedings.

1. A new option will be displayed in orders and directions sought named child assessment order, select that option and enter the details and continue
2. Check your answers and if correct, select save and continue
3. Select grounds for application and enter your reasons in the free text box
4. Check your answers and if correct, select save and continue
5. When submit application is selected, you will see the draft applications which should be checked before confirming the declaration and selecting continue and then submit
6. The application will be displayed at the top of the documents tab
7. The application will be automatically sent to the CTSC who, after quick checks, will forward it onto judiciary/legal advisers and directions will follow.

Further support:

The FPL service can be contacted at PublicLawAndAdoption@justice.gov.uk if you have any feedback relating to this functionality.