Special Guardianship
Special Guardianship is a legal option whch came into force on 30 December 2005. It is intended to provide permanence for children for whom adoption is not appropriate. It is most likely to be used for older children who do not wish to make an absolute legal break with their birth family. Special Guardianship is a way of building a lifelong permanent relationship between the carer and the child or young person.
What is the difference between Special Guardianship and long term fostering?
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) gives the Special Guardian parental responsibility for the child. Foster carers do not have parental responsibility. A special guardian will be able to make most of the important decisions about a child. The child will no longer be “looked after” by the Local Authority.
What is the difference between Special Guardianship and Adoption?
Unlike adoption, under a SGO, the parents remain the child's parents and retain parental responsibility, though their ability to exercise their parental responsibility is extremely limited.
What sort of support is available?
An assessment of support needs will be made before a SGO is granted. Support can include financial support where appropriate.
If you want to offer a child a permanent home but can understand that there are some circumstances when adoption is not appropriate, then talk to us more about special guardianship. The initial processes would be as for fostering.
