You should seek independent legal advice. The Local Authority will be able to provide you with a list of approved solicitors in your area. The Family Rights Group and Kinship offer legal guidance and information. 

Parental Responsibility 

As a kinship carer, you may be looking after a child who is not a birth child, but you play a vital role in their life. Understanding Parental Responsibility (PR) is important because it affects your ability to make decisions for the child.

Parental Responsibility means having the legal authority to make decisions about a child’s:

• Health and medical treatment

• Education

• Religion and cultural upbringing

• Name and legal identity

• Day-to-day care and welfare

Without PR, you may need the consent of someone who does have it (usually the birth parents or the local authority) to make certain decisions. Kinship Carers do not automatically have parental rights but this can be gained through:

• A Child Arrangements Order (if the child lives with you)

• A Special Guardianship Order

• Adoption

• Being appointed as a legal guardian