Restrictions on disclosure of information CA 1989 s. 99
This provision prohibits the publication of information about children in family proceedings, with exceptions for research and specified purposes.
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Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
This section makes it a contempt of court to publish or disclose information about proceedings relating to children without the court's permission.
It applies to anyone who receives information through their role in the proceedings.
The court can allow disclosure for research or other good reasons.
When it applies
- A journalist writes an article naming a child in a care hearing.
- A social worker shares details of a case on social media.
- A foster carer tells neighbours about a child's background.
What this section does not say
- Disclosure by the child themselves – not covered; different rules apply.
- Disclosure for legal proceedings – usually permitted under separate rules.
- Disclosure of historic information not obtained from the proceedings – not governed by this section.
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We copy this text from the official publisher and re-check it against that source on every page load, but we cannot guarantee it is complete, current or free of error, and we accept no liability for any reliance on it. An amendment can take effect before a consolidation catches up. The publisher's own copy is linked below; where the two differ, it is the official one that counts.
This page reproduces the text of CA 1989 s. 99 in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.