A special guardianship order is a court order that specifies that a child will live with someone else other than their parents in the long-term. The person or persons who the child will live with then become the child's Special Guardians. The Local Authority is likely to consider an SGO against alternatives including adoption, long-term foster care, or a child arrangements order.
If you wish to apply for an SGO you should write to the local children's services to inform them of your intention to apply, three months in advance of your application. This gives the Local Authority time to assess you and prepare a report for the court.
To apply for an SGO you will need to complete three forms:
- an ‘Application for an order’ (form C1)
- a supporting statement (form C13A)
- a ‘Family mediation information and assessment meeting’ form (FM1) to show you’ve been through mediation or why you could not go.