What is a Special Guardianship Order?
A Special Guardianship Order is an order under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 which places a child in the care of someone other than their parents. The order confers parental responsibility on the ‘special guardian(s)’ for the child under the order which means they will have all the rights, duties and responsibilities in relation to the child. This means all important decisions about the child’s future will rest with the Special Guardians.
How do I get a Special Guardianship order?
A Special Guardianship Order cannot be made without a report from Social Services. The report must consider whether the proposed special guardian(s) are suitable for a Special Guardianship Order. For example, the report must look at the background of the child, a summary of the medical position of the special guardian(s) and whether a Special Guardianship Order is appropriate in this case as opposed to other orders and a recommendation as to whether a Special Guardianship Order should be made.
What will I be paid?
At your request, the Local Authority may have to carry out an assessment in relation to the support services that can be offered alongside the Special Guardianship Order. Support services include a variety of things from respite care to medication services to financial allowance.
The financial support is there to ensure that finance is not a reason for the placement of the child with the special guardian(s) to fail. Financial support may be payable following a means assessment conducted by the Local Authority. There is a form to complete and bank statements and other proof of income will have to be provided so that the assessment can be undertaken.
When will any allowance stop?
Financial support will come to an end if:
- The child no longer lives with the special guardian(s).
- The child stops full-time education and starts working.
- The child qualifies for benefits (income support or jobseeker’s allowance).
- The child turns 18, unless they remain in full-time education, in which case it continues until the end of the course or training being undertaken.
The allowance is also reviewed annually, and the amount can be reduced or stopped or may only be issued for a specified amount of time.
Please note, if you are caring for a child in different circumstances or you are not eligible for an allowance under a Special Guardianship Order, there may be other financial support available to you. Please contact us on 0800 011 666.
