What is a special guardian?

How special guardianship works

A special guardianship order (SGO) can be the best option for a child when they are not able to live with their birth parents, but adoption or fostering isn't quite right. Only the Family Court can grant an SGO.

The process of becoming a special guardian includes an application and assessment, which we can help you with as your local authority. The Family Court will then look at your suitability and the child's needs before making a decision.

How you become a special guardian

If you are granted an SGO, the child will permanently live with you. You will have parental responsibility until the child is 18 years old, so it's a long-term commitment.

What a special guardian does

As a special guardian, you are responsible for making all day-to-day decisions about the child’s care. You only need to consult their birth parents on significant decisions, such as changing their name, placing them for adoption or moving to another country.

Becoming a guardian is a life-changing event. It may be you have never been a parent before or that your own children are now adults. On top of that, the child will have been through difficult experiences, which will likely bring added challenges for you both.

The good news is we can help you with all of this. Being a special guardian is about providing a safe, positive environment for the child to grow up in. You don't have to do it alone. Our team are here to support both you and your family.

Why apply to be a special guardian

We speak to special guardians every day and get to see how rewarding the role can be.

The circumstances around becoming a guardian are almost always difficult, but the role itself is one of love, respect and understanding. It is a unique and important opportunity to give a child the stable and secure home that all children need.

Unlike adoption, an SGO allows the child to stay in touch with the birth family through what's called Family-time contact. Though guardianship is permanent, it means there is an opportunity for the child to build and maintain a positive relationship with their birth family.

You can read more about why you might want to be a special guardian and hear the stories from people who have been there and done it.

Who we support

Our Connected Persons team works with everyone who is considering becoming a special guardian. If you or the child you care for live in Buckinghamshire, we can support you through the process of becoming and being a special guardian. If you're not sure whether you are eligible, contact our team and we can give you some initial help and answer your questions.