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<p>A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is one of the ways the court can help protect children from harm. The order prohibits certain activities by a parent or guardian if these could hurt the child's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being in any way. This article will discuss what a PSO is, who can apply for one, and how it can help protect vulnerable children.</p>
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<h2>What is a Prohibited Steps Order for Child Safety?</h2>
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<p>A Prohibited Steps Order is a legal order issued by a court that prevents someone from taking certain steps about a child which would go against their welfare. The PSO sets out clear conditions on what they cannot do and lasts until the child turns sixteen or until further order of the Court.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Parents are responsible for protecting their children, and, in some cases, a PSO is necessary for the child's safety. Hence, a PSO is a court order that can be issued to prevent certain steps from being taken without the Court's permission. It's typically put in place when there's a threat of harm or physical or emotional danger to a child.</p>
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<p>Prohibited steps order includes:&nbsp;</p>
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<li>Forbid a parent from removing a child permanently abroad</li>
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<li>Prohibit contact with a specific person</li>
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<li>The rule for the child not to undergo certain medical procedures</li>
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<li>Prevent the change of a child's surname</li>
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<p>Who Can Apply for Prohibited Steps Order?</p>
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<p>Anyone who is a holder of a residence order may apply for such an order, including:</p>
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<li>Parents</li>
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<li>Grandparents</li>
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<li>Guardians</li>
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<li>Social services agencies</li>
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<h2>How to Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order for Child Safety?</h2>
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<p>Applying for a PSO requires the completion of&nbsp;<strong>Form</strong><strong>C100</strong>. However, if you do not possess parental responsibility, an additional step must be taken to obtain permission to apply for an order under the Children Act 1989: submission of<strong>&nbsp;Form C2</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>When Can You Not Apply for Prohibited Steps Order?</h2>
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<p>If you're attempting to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order but your child is 16 years old or over, this court order isn't an option. Similarly, if the child is under the care of a Local Authority, then filing a C100 form won't be possible either.</p>
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<p>So, in brief, you can not apply for PSO, if:</p>
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<li>A child is 16 years old or over</li>
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<li>Under the care of the local authority</li>
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<h2>Can You Apply for an Emergency Order?</h2>
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<p>If you are in an emergency situation where your child's safety is threatened, you can apply to the Family Law Court for a PSO. This type of order is made "without notice," meaning that the other party would not be aware that such steps are being taken. Neither will they be present at the hearing.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>In order to be successful, you must provide strong evidence that there is an immediate threat. If granted, a return hearing will be listed, and the other party will be served with the application and emergency order. By taking these measures, you can protect your precious little ones in their time of need.</p>
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