Kinship
Child Arrangement Orders
What is a Child Arrangements Order (previously residency orders)?
Before April 22 2014, the courts would issue residence orders and contact orders under section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The Children and Families Act 2014 changed this process, consolidating residence and contact issues under a single order called a 'Child Arrangements Order' (CAO). The child arrangements order may include:
- who a child will live with ('live with' order)
- who they will spend time with ('spend time with' order)
- other types of contact, including when these arrangements will occur
The court can also issue a shared 'live with' order. This indicates that the child 'lives' with each person named in the order, rather than primarily with one parent while having contact with the other. The order does not require an equal division of time.
When a child turns 18, the child arrangements order expires. Only in exceptional circumstances can you apply for a child arrangements order for a child aged 16 to 18.
If a residence order was issued before April 22 2014, or if a person is named as the person with whom the child lives with under a CAO, parental responsibility will be automatically granted to that person.
If you have a CAO or a residency order you maybe entitled to some further support from the adoption and special guardianship support fund, if the child in your care was previously 'looked after'. If you are unsure about this you can contact the SGO support team: sgosupportduty@swindon.gov.uk.
If you would like some assistance or support you can contact the front door services on 01793 464646.
You can visit the Kinship care charity for England and Wales website or contact their advice service on 0300 123 7015, who can offer support and training to all kinship carers.
