Looking after a child under a special guardianship order
A special guardianship order (SGO) is a family court order that grants long term care of a child or young person to someone other than their parents. The people the child lives with become their special guardians.
Find out more about special guardianship orders
Advice and support for carers
Carers can get advice and support from Bolton’s post special guardianship order support service at postsgosupport@bolton.gov.uk.
Financial support
If a local authority was involved when the order was made, a special guardianship financial allowance may have been considered to help with the child’s care. Carers should have received a clear written agreement at the time. This financial support does not replace benefits like child tax credit and will not affect benefits entitlement.
Support plan and additional support
A special guardianship support plan is required for all prospective special guardians, outlining the child’s and carer’s support needs and the council’s commitment to meeting them.
Bolton’s special guardianship order support service runs training, support groups, events, and newsletters for special guardians in Bolton or caring for Bolton children. Contact postsgosupport@bolton.gov.uk for more details.
Therapeutic support
For children who were in care before a special guardianship order was granted, we can apply to the adoption and special guardianship support fund for support for additional therapeutic services for children and their carers. An assessment of support needs will be completed with the carer by a social worker from the kinship fostering service and subsequent referral made to the adoption and special guardianship support fund if appropriate.