Part 1E+WOrders with respect to children in family proceedings

Family assistance ordersE+W

6Provision as to family assistance ordersE+W

(1)Section 16 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) (family assistance orders) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (3) (requirements for making an order), omit paragraph (a) (requirement that circumstances of case be exceptional).

(3)After subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)If the court makes a family assistance order with respect to a child and the order is to be in force at the same time as a contact order made with respect to the child, the family assistance order may direct the officer concerned to give advice and assistance as regards establishing, improving and maintaining contact to such of the persons named in the order as may be specified in the order.”

(4)In subsection (5) (maximum duration of order) for “six months” substitute “ twelve months ”.

(5)For subsection (6) substitute—

“(6)If the court makes a family assistance order with respect to a child and the order is to be in force at the same time as a section 8 order made with respect to the child, the family assistance order may direct the officer concerned to report to the court on such matters relating to the section 8 order as the court may require (including the question whether the section 8 order ought to be varied or discharged).”