Family Law

Anna Johnston, Anthony Gold, Solicitors. The new special guardianship provisions, provided for in the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (the Act), came into force on 30 December 2005. Section 115 of the Act introduces a new legal status for non-parents who are, or wish to care for children in a long-term, secure placement. The concept of a special guardianship order (SGO) tends to lend itself to 'looked after' children but it can equally be of relevance to a non-looked-after child who, for example, is cared for by relatives. The article provides detail on applying for an SGO, the key features of a SGO, special guardianship support services, the effects of an SGO and how to vary and discharge an SGO. See February [2006] Fam Law 116 for the full article.

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