Special Guardianship
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a private law court order that allows someone other than a child’s birth parent to become their Special Guardian.
Special Guardianship is for children who cannot live with their birth parents. It gives the Special Guardian parental responsibility, allowing them to make most day-to-day and long-term decisions about the child’s care.
Prior to a Special Guardianship Order being granted, a support plan will be co-created between the professionals and the kinship carers. This support plan will identify all available services and support packages the carer can access.
Support for Special Guardians
Caring for a child under a Special Guardianship Order can bring both rewards and challenges. We are here to support you and your wider family throughout your journey.
You can ask for support at any time, including requesting an assessment to help identify the needs of your family and the child in your care.
Online and national support
Online support is available through Kinship Compass, which offers:
- information and guidance
- training opportunities
- resources
- peer support groups
When courts are making decisions about a child’s welfare, the Family Rights Group can provide advice to parents, grandparents, relatives and friends about their rights and options.
There are also subscription-based organisations that offer specialist support for carers of children who have experienced trauma, including:
- Attachment and Trauma Network – supporting trauma-informed families, schools and communities
- National Association of Therapeutic Parents – a supportive community for parents of children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences or who are neurodivergent
Reviewing your Special Guardianship support plan
If your circumstances change, you can request a review of your Special Guardianship support plan by completing the Special Guardians’ self-assessment.
Special guardians' self-assessment
What to expect
The self-assessment form is the first step in reviewing your Special Guardianship support needs. The questions are designed to help you think about the child in your care and any support you or your family may need.
You can skip any questions you are unsure about, but we encourage you to share as much information as possible.
Please note:
- financial support is not covered in this form and will be reviewed separately
- information about health, education or housing needs may be shared with the relevant services to help inform the review
Once your self-assessment has been received, the Post Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Team will contact you within 8 weeks.
To find out how we use your information, please read our privacy notice.
If you have any questions, please email adoptionsupporthelpline@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 554056.