In the wake of concerns that some children have been placed at risk because of inappropriate special guardianship orders (SGOs), the government has taken action to improve the way they work.
SGOs are long-term care orders that last until a child is 18 and are usually applied to a family member or long-term carer. Their use has grown substantially in recent years - since 2010/11, the number of SGOs has risen by 98 per cent (see graphic).
But a review undertaken by the Department for Education into how they are used found that, in some cases where family members came forward late in the care proceedings process, assessments were too often rushed in order to meet court deadlines rather than the best interests of the child.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
