Tips on developing supervision order support plans

What is a supervision order?

A supervision order is a legal measure under section 31 of the Children Act 1989 that usually involves a child living in their family home while the local authority (LA) provides oversight and support. Unlike a care order, a supervision order does not grant the LA parental responsibility. Instead, it imposes a duty on to the LA to “advise, assist and befriend” the child. As such, the LA is expected to provide support, intervention and monitoring to address risks to the child and help meet the family’s needs.

A supervision order typically lasts for six to twelve months but can be extended annually up to a maximum of three years. The order expires when the child turns 18, unless discharged earlier. The child, their parents or the LA may apply for its discharge, although they must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances when doing so.

When is a supervision order used?

Supervision orders are typically used in situations where:

• A child in need plan (in England) or a care and support plan (in Wales) has been ineffective, but removal from the home is not necessary.
• A child protection plan (in England) or child protection registration (in Wales) has been in place for some time, yet concerns remain.
• Interim care orders (ICOs) were previously granted, but the child can now remain at home under close monitoring.
• The court deems it proportionate to provide formal oversight without transferring parental responsibility.

What is a supervision order support plan?

A supervision order support plan (which may also be referred to as a supervision order care plan) is a structured document outlining how risks to the child will be managed, support for the family delivered and progress monitored.

The Public Law Working Group (PLWG) 2023 report on supervision orders emphasises that all supervision orders should be accompanied by a detailed and court-approved plan. In cases where the local authority is seeking a supervision order as the final outcome of proceedings, this plan should be produced prior to the making if the order, forming part of the final evidence submitted to the court.

There are circumstances where the local authority applies for a care order, but the court decides instead to grant a supervision order. This may happen, for example, where the court considers that the threshold for significant harm has been met, but that removal is unnecessary and the child can remain safely at home with structured support.

A supervision order support plan – like all plans – needs to be a living document. It should be monitored and revised as needed to reflect progress, new risks and changing family circumstances.

Best practice principles

Best practice principles for these plans identified by the Public Law Working Group (2023, appendix C) include:

1. Partnership and co-production with families – plans should be developed collaboratively with parents and children.
2. Multi-agency working – engagement from health, education and community services is essential.
3. Clear, tailored planning – plans should be specific, outcome-focused and written in plain language.
4. Resource clarity – all funding, services and interventions should be clearly recorded.
5. Formal review mechanisms – clear review schedules and progress tracking must be embedded.
6. Accountability – families should have clear pathways to raise concerns about delays or lack of support.

If you have a Community Care Inform Children licence, log on to access the full guide and learn more about supervision order support plans including an example of a completed support plan.    

What to read next

• Care orders and supervision orders: guide to the law
• Child and family assessment: completed example
• Family group conferences: webinar

References

Public Law Working Group (PLWG)(2023)
Recommendations to achieve best practice in the child protection and family justice systems: Supervision orders
Courts and Tribunals Judiciary