What if I refuse to let Children's Services speak to my child?

A court can make a child assessment order under section 43 Children Act 1989. The purpose of this order is to allow Children's Services to talk to the child and decide whether any further action is needed. These orders are very unusual. It is more likely that Children's Services will apply for an emergency protection order under section 44 Children Act 1989. This is a very serious order and allows Children's Services to remove the child from the family home for a limited time or whilst the investigation continues.

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