Special Guardianship was introduced as a new permanence option for children in December 2005. It provides a legally secure foundation for building a permanent relationship between the child and their special guardian, while preserving the legal link between the child and their birth family.

The Adoption and Children Act 2002 provides the legal framework for special guardianship under the Children Act 1989. The Act provides:

  • Who may apply for special guardianship order
  • The circumstances in which special guardianship order may be made
  • The nature and effect of special guardianship orders
  • Support services for those affected by special guardianship