How do I know if special guardianship is the best option?

A special guardianship order can be appropriate in a number of situations, a few examples could include;

• Older children who no longer live with their parent(s) and are in long-term care but do not want to be adopted and want to retain ties with their birth families.
• When a child is living with extended family or family friends who do not wish to adopt, but would like to have a say and take responsibility for decisions about the child.
• Potential carers from minority ethnic groups may wish to offer a child a permanent family, but have religious or cultural difficulties with adoption.
• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who are in need of a permanent placement but still have attachments to families abroad.

Ultimately when deciding to apply for a special guardianship order the welfare of the child or young person and what is in his or her best interests is the paramount consideration. The court will listen to the wishes and feelings of any child or young person who is considered old enough to understand special guardianship.