Special guardianship order 

A special guardianship order appoints one or more people to be a child’s special  guardian(s). 

The result of the order would mean that the special guardian would hold parental  responsibility. However, It does not terminate the responsibility belonging to the  child’s parents. 

It gives permanency and security for the child, but does not mean legal separation from  the child’s parents. This may be more appropriate, for example, when children are being cared for permanently by members of their wider family,  or for older children who do not  wish to be legally separated from their birth families. 

For advice on who can apply for a special guardian order and th e procedure involved, please contact our team who will be happy to help.