Supplementary Form for Child Contact Applications in Care Cases

Overview of Form C15: Supplement for an Application for Contact with a Child in Care

Form C15 is an official document issued by the HM Courts & Tribunals Service in the United Kingdom. It serves as a supplementary form used within the family law framework, specifically related to applications for contact with children who are in care. This form is grounded in the provisions of Section 34(2) and (3) of the Children Act 1989, which governs the arrangements and considerations surrounding contact between children in care and their family members or guardians.

The Purpose and Scope of Form C15

Form C15 is designed to gather detailed information about the applicant’s relationship to the child(ren) and to specify the nature of the contact sought. It is typically submitted as part of a broader application to the family court, aiming to ensure that the child's welfare remains central in decision-making processes. The form helps the court assess the applicant’s connection to the child and the reasons for requesting contact, which may include maintaining familial bonds or supporting the child's emotional well-being.

This form is applicable in cases where a parent, guardian, or other interested party seeks to establish or modify contact arrangements with a child who is in care. It is used in conjunction with other court documents and proceedings related to child welfare and custody orders.

Who Is Required to Complete Form C15?

The form must be completed by individuals involved in the child's care or those with a legitimate interest in the child's welfare. This includes:

• Parents or guardians of the child
• Individuals holding a residence order immediately before a care order was made, according to Section 34(1)(c) of the Children Act 1989
• Persons who had care of the child through an order immediately prior to the care order, as specified in Section 34(1)(d) of the Children Act 1989

Applicants are required to provide relevant evidence supporting their relationship to the child and the reasons for their application, such as reports or other documentary evidence, with details including the date and author of such documents.

Key Sections and Information Required

Part 1: Your Relationship to the Child(ren)

This section asks the applicant to specify their connection to the child or children involved. Clarifying whether the applicant is a parent, guardian, or holds a specific order is essential for the court's understanding of the applicant's standing.

Part 2: The Order Applied For and Reasons

The applicant must specify the type of contact arrangement they are seeking, such as supervised or unsupervised contact, and provide reasons for their application. This information helps the court evaluate the child's best interests and the suitability of the proposed contact.

Official Use and Court Processing

Once submitted, the form is processed by the court, which will complete the section titled "To be completed by the court." This includes recording details such as the date the application was issued, the case number, the names and numbers of the child(ren), and the specific court handling the case.

The court also records whether the applicant is a parent, guardian, or has held certain orders relating to the child, and whether documentary evidence has been relied upon. The form must be signed and dated by the applicant, and it is printed on behalf of The Court Service, ensuring its official status.

Legal Context and Implications

Under the Children Act 1989, the welfare of the child is paramount in any decision regarding contact arrangements. Form C15 provides the court with essential information to make informed, welfare-oriented decisions. It ensures transparency and clarity in the application process, supporting the court in balancing the child's needs with the rights of the applicant.

Conclusion

In summary, Form C15 is a vital document within the family justice system in the UK, specifically tailored to applications for contact with children in care. It facilitates the collection of relevant relationship and application details, aiding courts in making decisions that serve the child's best interests while respecting the legal rights of all parties involved.