When can you apply for a prohibited steps order?

You can apply for a PSO if you need to prevent someone from taking an action or making a decision that will have a negative impact on your child. For example: 

• Moving your child to another school
• Taking your child to see a particular person
• Changing your child’s name
• Moving your child away from the local area/abroad 
• Giving their permission for your child to undergo a risky medical treatment
• Decisions concerning religion

When deciding whether to grant a PSO, the court’s primary consideration will be your child’s welfare. Under the Children Act 1989, welfare issues include: 

• A child’s physical, emotional and educational needs
• The likely effect of any change in circumstances on a child. 
• A child’s age, sex, background and any characteristics which the court considers relevant
• Any harm a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
• How capable the parents are of meeting a child’s needs

The court will also consider the reasons why a parent wishes to take a particular action. For example, if they need to move away from the local area to start a new job, this may be acceptable but moving to prevent the other parent from seeing their child is not.