54. F68[(1) An application for a declaration under section 55(1) in respect of a ward who has attained the age of 18 years by the date of commencement of this Part may be made to the wardship court at any time—

(a) by the ward,

(b) by the committee of the ward, or

(c) with the consent of the wardship court, by—

(i) a relative or friend of the ward who has had such personal contact with the ward over such period of time that a relationship of trust exists between them, or

(ii) such other person as appears to the wardship court to have a sufficient interest in, or expertise in relation to, the welfare of the ward.]

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the wardship court shall, within 3 years from the date of commencement of this Part, make a declaration under section 55(1) in respect of a ward who—

(a) F68[is 18 years or older] by that date, or

(b) reaches the age of 18 years within 2 years and 6 months from that date.

(3) Where a ward reaches the age of 18 years after the period specified in subsection (2)(b), the wardship court shall, within 6 months of the ward reaching that age, make a declaration under section 55(1) in respect of the ward.