Child Act 2001 · Updated to 1 Jul 2023 · Part VIII · Trafficking in and Abduction of Children
53. Recovery order
Feedback & supportIf it appears to the Court that there is reason to believe that a child had been taken or sent away without the consent of the person who has lawful custody of the child as described in section 52, the Court may make a recovery order.
Court
“Court” means the Court For Children or any other Court, as the case may require;
A recovery order may be made by the Court on application being made by or on behalf of any person who has the lawful custody of the child.
For the purposes of this section, a “recovery order” may—
direct any person who is in a position to do so to produce the child on request to any authorized person;
authorize the removal of the child by any authorized person;
require any person who has information as to the child’s whereabouts to disclose that information to the authorized person;
authorize any police officer to enter into any premises specified in the order and search for the child, using reasonable force if necessary.
Any person who intentionally obstructs an authorized person from exercising the powers under subsection (3) commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and to whipping not exceeding six strokes.
Part VIIIa
CENTRE
centre
“centre” means a shelter established or operated by any person including a State Government, either— (a) individually; or (b) through a co-operation or joint-venture with the Federal Government, as approved by the Minister for the purpose of care, protection and rehabilitation of children under section 53a;
Minister may approve centres
Minister
“Minister” means the Minister or Ministers for the time being charged with the responsibility for the matter or matters in connection with which the reference to the “Minister” is made, acting individually or jointly or in consultation, as the case may require;