Become a special guardian for a child you care for
Choose from the boxes below to find out more about the elements that make up becoming a special guardian...
What is a special guardianship order?
What is an SGO and who might benefit from one?
Who can become a special guardian?
A range of people can become a special guardian.
What are the advantages of a special guardianship order?
How do SGOs benefit children and carers?
Decisions a special guardian can't take without the permission of the child’s birth parents
A special guardian in some circumstances requires certain consents.
How is special guardianship order different to a child arrangement order?
Definitions of an SGO and a CAO.
How is special guardianship different from adoption?
An SGO doesn't end the legal relationship between a child and their birth parents.
How are special guardianship orders made?
Special guardianship is a legal order agreed in court.
How do I become a special guardian?
Is a special guardianship order the right route, and if so how do you apply?