PROHIBITED STEPS ORDER (pso)

 A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a court order made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It prevents a parent (or anyone with parental responsibility) from taking certain actions concerning a child without the court’s permission.

A PSO can stop someone from:

• Removing a child from school
   
• Changing the child’s surname
   
• Taking the child out of the country
   
• Moving the child to a different area
   
• Making significant decisions that could affect the child’s welfare
   

The order limits parental responsibility in specific ways to protect the child and ensure decisions are made in their best interests.

The court decides the duration based on the child’s needs. A Prohibited Steps Order can last few months, several years or until the child turns 16 (sometimes 18 in exceptional cases)

 You can apply if you are:

• A parent
   
• Someone with parental responsibility
   
• A guardian or special guardian
   
• Someone the child lives with
   
• A close relative or other person connected to the child (they may require the court’s permission)

 If someone breaches a Prohibited Steps 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 Prohibited Steps 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.