Police Protection Orders

Police Protection Orders

What is a Police Protection Order?

A Police Protection Order is an emergency measure, which is taken when a child is considered to be at immediate risk of harm, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Section 46 of the Children Act 1989, allows a Police Constable the legal right to remove a child from their accommodation or prevent removal, where they have reasonable cause to believe the child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm.

This order does not provide the police with parental responsibility and does not remove any existing parental responsibility from the parent or guardian.

The police have a duty to inform the relevant Local Authority where the child resides of the action that they have taken.

How long will a Police Protection Order last?

A Police Protection Order will last for 72 hours and enable the police to remove a child from their home and keep them either at the police station or find alternative accommodation for them until Social Services decide whether to apply to the Court for a Care Order or return the children to their parent or guardian.

How can Duncan Lewis Solicitors help?

Duncan Lewis Solicitors children law team can advise you in relation to the concerns regarding the children and explain what will happen in your case.

Duncan Lewis is recommended by The Legal 500 legal directory for its specialism in all aspects of family and children law nationwide and cross-border. The Legal 500 applauds our family and child care solicitors to be a team of lawyers that are ‘friendly professionals who take their time to understand your case’. Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children.

How will the matter be funded?

Duncan Lewis Solicitors are able to provide legal aid depending on the type of application that has made. Our Children Law team are able to discuss funding options with you and can assess you for legal aid. Alternatively, a fixed fee or hourly rates of a legal representative will be provided to you in advance for your full consideration. 

For expert legal advice on all family and childcare matters, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 033 3772 0409.