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A special guardianship order is a legal arrangement that gives a child a permanent home when they cannot live with their parents. It’s often used within families or by long-term carers to provide stability while maintaining a connection to the child’s birth family.
What a Special Guardianship Order Means
A special guardianship order is made by the family court and appoints one or more people as a child’s special guardian. The child usually lives with the guardian on a long-term basis, rather than temporarily.
Who Can Apply for a Special Guardianship Order
Certain people are eligible to apply, including relatives such as grandparents, siblings, or other family members, as well as some long-term carers. Applicants must be over 18 and usually need to show that they already have a relationship with the child. GOV.UK has a guide on how to become a special guardian.
Rights and Responsibilities of a Special Guardian
Special guardians receive parental responsibility and can make most decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education and healthcare. Birth parents may still hold parental responsibility, but the special guardian generally has the final say. This can provide alternative arrangements to foster care Cardiff provided by specialists such as //saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/cardiff/.
How Long the Order Lasts and Support Available
A special guardianship order usually lasts until the child turns 18, unless a court decides otherwise. Financial support and practical help may be available from local authorities, depending on circumstances and assessments.
Overall, a special guardianship order offers a long-term, stable solution for children who cannot remain with their parents.
