An LGO report, Firm Foundations, found that common shortcomings include councils not giving potential special guardians clear information about what the role involves, producing vague support plans and failing to pay guardians an allowance that is in line with that given to foster carers.
"Special guardianship orders (SGOs) can offer a stable and secure home life for some of the most vulnerable children in our society; children for whom, for whatever reason, it is not possible to live with their birth parents," said ombudsman Michael King.
"Many of these guardians are also family members, and take on their role willingly, but with little notice and without understanding the consequences.
"It is imperative, therefore, that these children and their guardians get the right support available to them - and without having to fight the system to get what they are entitled to."
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