Special Guardianship Orders - An Update for Family Lawyers

Introduction

Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) rightly continue to be a Local Authorities preferred choice for a child where they are unable to remain in the care of their parents and there are suitable alternative potential carers.

However, the information given birth parents and Special Guardians about the meaning and effect of a Special Guardianship Order at the time such orders are proposed and the support that Special Guardians receive subsequently varies massively across the country. Many Special Guardians feel abandoned by the Local Authority once the SGO has been made. In some cases this can contribute to a breakdown of the placement.

Disputes with the birth parents about arrangements for them to spend time with the child and challenges to the continuation of the SGO place an enormous strain on Special Guardians, which they are often surprised to find are dealt with in the private law arena and where public funding may not be available.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• SGO and care proceedings - process for being assessed to care and SGO being made at the end of the proceeding - the process - including the guidance about testing periods
• Standalone application process
• Support incorporating implications SGO and the differences in support under CO and under an SGO - LA’s responsibilities - support plan
• Post SGO - LA responsibilities for support - reviewing of support plans and allowances etc - possible judicial review
• SGO breakdowns
• Applications to vary/discharge the SGO by birth parents
• Applications for CAOs by birth parents
• Availability of public funding
• Recent developments in relation to applications for s.91(14) orders in such circumstances

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Tuesday 14th January 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,700+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email [email protected] for more details.