For a child and for the carer, an SGO makes the care arrangements more legally secure than a child arrangement order, and enables the child to maintain stronger links with their birth family than if they were adopted. It also allows carers to have more control over decisions about the child’s care, although birth parents retain some limited rights and responsibilities.

For older children, special guardianship orders can strike the balance between their need for a safe, stable, caring home throughout their childhood and maintaining links with their birth parents and wider family.

Special guardianship is an option for existing foster carers, family and other connected people to offer long-term care and commitment to children.