138Court may adjourn proceeding

138 Court may adjourn proceeding (1) The Court may adjourn proceedings for an application for an assessment order, a protection order or a permanent care order (including an application under section 136 or 137). (2) The Court must: (a) to the greatest extent possible, avoid granting adjournments; and (b) may grant adjournments only if the Court considers: (i) doing so is in the best interests of the child to whom the proceedings relate; or (ii) there are other strong reasons for doing so. (3) In deciding the period of adjournment, the Court must have regard to the principle that it is in the best interests of the child for the application to be decided as soon as possible. (4) The Court: (a) must state its reasons for the adjournment; and (b) may give directions to the parties to the proceedings about what they must do or refrain from doing during the adjournment. Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 86