Prohibited Steps Order

A prohibited steps order (PSO) is a legal order issued by a court that prohibits a person from taking certain actions or making certain decisions regarding a child. The purpose of a PSO is to protect a child from potential harm or risk by preventing certain activities or decisions that may be harmful to the child's welfare.

Examples of situations where a PSO may be granted include:

• Preventing a parent from taking a child out of the country without the other parent's consent
• Stopping a parent from making decisions about a child's medical treatment or education without consulting the other parent
• Restricting a parent's contact with a child if there are concerns about their behavior or actions
• Preventing a third party, such as a grandparent or family friend, from taking a child out of the care of their parent or guardian

A PSO is typically obtained through an application to a family court, and the court will consider the best interests of the child when making a decision. A breach of a PSO can result in serious consequences, including fines or even imprisonment.