Council Leeds
Performance Special guardianship orders in Leeds
2006 Leeds 3; Yorkshire & The Humber 10; England Total 70
2007 Leeds 25; Yorkshire & The Humber 50; England Total 750
2008 Leeds 50; Yorkshire & The Humber 80; England Total 1,100
Source: Department for Children, Schools and Families. National figures have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1,000 or to the nearest 10 otherwise. Regional figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Local figures are exact.
Leeds has seen a large rise in the number of people taking up special guardianship orders since their introduction in December 2005.
Louise Barnett, Leeds' adoption and special guardian officer, says the orders are another option for children who can't grow up with their birth families.
She says: "This is not about getting our numbers of looked-after children down, it is about making sure it is the right thing for the child. We do not promote guardianship orders over other orders because it is not always the best option."
But when an order is made, Leeds offers a package of support for children and carers.
"To make it a realistic option for carers we had to make sure it wouldn't disadvantage people," explains Barnett. That's why the council provides financial support to people unable to become a special guardian without it.
Once a court grants an order, the responsibility of everyday decision-making is placed on the guardian and away from the corporate parent.
Barnett says: "The orders are particularly good for children whose birth families' lifestyles are unreliable. It limits the family's ability to disrupt a child's life without having to sever links."
Despite relinquishing its decision-making powers, Leeds continues to support families under special guardianship. Barnett says: "Contact is a huge area for looked-after children and we can continue to supervise contact and pay fares to make sure a family can visit where it is positive."
