Like care orders, supervision orders are made under section 31 of the Children Act and may be an alternative to a care order.

Local authorities can apply for a supervision order but it is also likely that a court may make an order during care proceedings where this is thought to be the most effective way of working with the child and family. 

Where a child is subject to a Supervision Order, social workers should be aware of the Supervision Order policy that sets out the requirements for the Supervision Order plan to be filed at court and the procedures for conducting and reviewing cases where a Supervision Order is in place.  

When seeking a supervision order, or where directed to do so by the court during proceedings, social workers must use the Supervision order plan template and submit this to the court as directed.

Further best practice guidance for supervision orders is available in the Public Law Working Group guidance.