What is special guardianship?

Special guardianship is an order made by the court that places a child or a young person to live with someone permanently and gives legal status for non parents who are or wish to care for that child or young person in a long term secure placement. The Adoption and Children Act 2002 introduced special guardianship and special guardianship orders.

Special guardianship is a legal order introduced with the intention of creating a permanent home for a child or young person who does not live with his or her parent(s). If adoption is not suitable or is not in the child’s best interests, then a special guardianship order may be made.

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