care contact order An order of the court allowing a local authority to restrict contact with a child in care (see care order). Under the Children Act 1989 s 34(1) there is a presumption that children in care will have reasonable contact with their parents (including unmarried parents) or those who have had care of them. In an emergency a local authority may refuse to allow contact for not more than seven days where it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard or promote the child’s welfare. Court authorization can then be sought for longer refusals. |