care proceedings A procedure involving children and young persons, which to some extent replaces criminal proceedings in respect of juveniles with care proceedings . A local authority or authorised person who believes that there are grounds for considering the advisability of a care order (e.g., that the juvenile has committed and offence) may bring the juvenile before a juvenile court. The court may order a parent or guardian to enter into a recognisance to take proper care of the juvenile. A care order can be made, committing the juvenile to the care of a local authority.