A Permanence Order can be sought by the relevant Local Authority who has responsibility for looking after a child who is no longer in the care of their biological parents.  Many such children are the subject of Compulsory Supervision Orders made by the Children’s Hearing System, though others may be in Local Authority care (possibly with a family member) on a voluntary basis.

 

The parents of such children have the right to oppose the making of such an Order which will frequently involve the proposal that the Parental Responsibilities and Rights in relation to the child be vested in the Local Authority and, sometimes shared with their current carers.

 

In some instances the Application for a Permanence Order can include the proposal that the Court grant the Authority for the child to be adopted.