A special guardianship order is a court order that gives the special guardian enhanced parental responsibility for the child. The order restricts the birth parents’ rights but does not permanently end them. You can find more information about the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) on the UK Government website.

The following people may apply providing they are over the age of 18:

• any guardian of the child;

• any individual who has a child arrangement order or any person where a child arrangement order is in force and who has the consent of the person in whose favour the child arrangement order is made;

• anyone the child has lived with for at least three years out of the last five;

• anyone with the consent of the local authority if the child is in care;

• a local authority foster carer with whom the child has lived for at least one year preceding the application;

• anyone who has the consent of those with parental responsibility;

• anyone who has the leave of the court

The assessment is in depth and can feel intrusive sharing your own journey. It will include aspects of your life including finances, employment history, medicals, and information about your birth children if you have any.

Please see the step by step guide to the assessment process. 

With the valuable input of special guardians, we have developed a leaflet that highlights key contact, the support available and guidance on support plans. Click the button to view this leaflet. 

We have also developed a leaflet specifically for birth parents, offering clear and helpful information about what a Special Guardianship Order means. It include useful contact, outlines their role in supporting their child and provides guidance on family time and assessments. Click the button below to view this leaflet. 

The Voice of the Child Apprentices have created this leaflet to help children and young people better understand their arrangements. It explains what a Special Guardianship Order is in a clear and age-appropriate way, and includes helpful information to support them in navigating their experiences and knowing who they can turn to for support.