Where, in any family proceedings in which a question arises with respect to the welfare of any child, it appears to the court that it may be appropriate for a care or supervision order to be made with respect to him, the court may direct the appropriate authority to undertake an investigation of the child's circumstances.
Where the court gives a direction under this section the local authority concerned shall, when undertaking the investigation, consider whether they should—
Where a local authority undertake an investigation under this section, and decide not to apply for a care order or supervision order with respect to the child concerned, they shall inform the court of—
The information shall be given to the court before the end of the period of eight weeks beginning with the date of the direction, unless the court otherwise directs.
The local authority named in a direction under subsection (1) must be—
If, on the conclusion of any investigation or review under this section, the authority decide not to apply for a care order or supervision order with respect to the child—