Court Report: Section 20

Section 20 of the Child Care Act 1991, as amended, provides that a Court can ask the HSE/Tusla to carry out an investigation of a child’s circumstances and report back to the Court. These reports, sometimes requested by the Judge in family law cases, are done by Social Workers.

Section 20 reports are concerned with the welfare of the child and how the child can best be supported. It looks at the current situation the child is living in and any supportive or challenging circumstances that exist. It also looks at any relevant context and history and will mention any previous orders requested by Tusla if this is relevant.

The report also sets out whether the HSE/Tusla is making any application in respect of the child or children in the case, any supports it has provided or intends to provide, and any other actions it has taken in relation to the child or children in the case.