CHILD ARRANGEMENTS ORDER (CAO)

 A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

It sets out legally binding arrangements for a child, including:

• Where the child will live
   
• Who the child will spend time with, and how often
   
• How the child will have contact (in person, by phone, video call, or indirect contact)
   

The court uses a Child Arrangements Order to create stability and ensure the child’s welfare is protected. 

Unless the court states otherwise, the order remains in place until the child turns 18.

  You can apply if you are:

• A parent (biological, adoptive, or a step-parent with parental responsibility)
   
• Anyone with parental responsibility
   
• A guardian or special guardian
   
• Someone the child has lived with for at least 3 of the last 5 years
   

Others such as grandparents or relatives, can apply with the court’s permission

 If someone breaches a Child Arrangements Order without a good reason, the court can:

• Enforce the order and issue a warning
   
• Order unpaid work requirements (community service)
   
• Order fines
   
• Change the contact or living arrangements
   
• In serious cases, the court can impose a prison sentence
   

The court will always consider the child’s welfare first before deciding on any punishment.

At the Centre for Domestic Abuse (CDA), we are committed to supporting Victims who are referred to us by professionals or who contact us through self-referral.

Every family’s situation is assessed individually, and we discuss all available options, including whether a Child Arrangements Order may be appropriate to ensure a child’s safety and stability.

We recognise that navigating the family court system can be overwhelming, especially for those experiencing domestic abuse, which is why we aim to make the process as accessible as possible:

• Legal Aid may be available for Child Arrangements Order applications in cases involving domestic abuse or child safeguarding concerns, subject to financial eligibility and merits testing.
   
• Where Legal Aid is not available, CDA provides practical support and guidance to help parents understand the process, ensuring no one is left without the help they need because of their financial situation.
   

Our team can help assist Victims by with their options.