What is Special Guardianship?

Special Guardianship is a new legal status that was brought in by the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which came into force in 2006. It is used where children need a permanent home but adoption might not be appropriate, for example when the adoptive family are related to the children. The child remains a member of the birth family but lives on a legally secure basis with their special guardian. The special guardian makes all decisions about the child’s upbringing and care.