Special guardianship

Special guardianship is a way of providing parental responsibility for a child. Unlike adoption, the parents are still legally the child's parents but their parental responsibility is minimal.

A special guardian will have responsibility for all day-to-day decisions about care, upbringing and education for the child or young person without needing to consult the birth parents.

Benefits for the child

  • a form of stability without legally separating the child from their parents
  • the chance to build a firm foundation for a lifelong permanent relationship
  • the opportunity to remain within their extended family network

Who can apply

Birth parents and local authorities cannot apply for a special guardianship order.

To apply to be a special guardian you must be aged 18 or older and any of the following:

  • a family member or friend
  • an unrelated foster carer
  • anyone who already has a residence order for the child
  • anyone who is already a testamentary guardian for the child

You do not need to be married to be a special guardian.

Sometimes a special guardianship order may be made on a child following care proceedings. In these circumstances, there may be financial support agreed for the special guardian in the support plan, which will be reviewed annually.

You may not qualify for financial support or access to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) if the order is made through private law proceedings by anyone in the preceding list of eligible applicants.

Support for special guardians in Croydon

We recognise that while being a special guardian is a rewarding role it can also be a challenging one at times. We appreciate your role and understand that special guardian's require support and understanding

We want to support you in the most effective way and we will work alongside you to create a package of support that works for your family. We aim to provide resources and support based on what you and the child needs. 

You can contact us for support and advice at any point whilst the special guardianship Order is active. 

Support available

A range of support services are provided to our special guardians.

Monthly support groups

Join our monthly support groups where experienced facilitators guide discussions on crucial topics such as finance, contact issues and housing. Connect with fellow Special Guardians and share experiences.

Flexible walk-in sessions

For those unable to attend support groups, we offer convenient walk-in sessions where you can discuss your concerns, seek advice, and receive support.

Dedicated phone line and email inbox

Feel free to reach out anytime through our dedicated duty phone line and email inbox. Our team is ready to provide guidance.

Financial assistance

Navigate the financial aspects of special guardianship with our assistance in processing adoption and special guardianship support fund applications.

Other Assistance

Beyond financial support, we extend our help to assist with housing, passport, and benefits applications.

Training

Special guardians have access to e-learning packages available to Croydon Foster Carers and we are developing other relevant training for special guardians.

Topics include:

  • helping children cope with trauma
  • language of care
  • communicating with children 
  • children with anxiety
  • bedwetting, incontinence, and other toilet issues
  • coping with challenging behaviour
  • managing a child's anger
  • lying and stealing
  • positive parenting 
  • sleep issues 
  • caring for siblings 
  • raising teenagers in care 
  • promoting education 
  • stress management and developing emotional resilience 
  • therapeutic parenting 
  • the Secure base model 
  • therapeutic play 
  • supporting a grieving child
  • child development

View the full training catalogue.

Email postordersupportteam@croydon.gov.uk to request a free (renewable) six month licence.

In the event of a court process to discharge the special guardianship order, our team is here to support you. We provide guidance, resources, and assistance.

The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

The ASGSF was established to fund therapeutic interventions for children and young people who have been adopted or are being cared for under special guardianship orders.

Funding eligibility

If the child that you are caring for was looked after (in care) prior to the special guardianship order being made, then they are entitled to the funding.

The ASGSF is available for children and young people up to and including the age of 21, or 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan. 

Where funding can be used

The ASGSF will fund £2,500 for specialist assessments to explore the child’s trauma and attachment needs. The assessment will lead to a therapeutic plan for your family. The assessments are carried out by qualified clinicians and must be detailed and focused on trauma and attachment.

  • family therapy to build attachment and improve the relationship between you and the child you care for.
  • creative therapies, such as art, music, drama 
  • play therapy
  • therapeutic life story work 
  • psychotherapy (or talking therapy) for your child
  • sensory integration including Sensory attachment therapy
  • therapeutic short breaks

Contact us

If you have a question about special guardianship, you can contact us by email postordersupportteam@croydon.gov.uk or by phone on our duty line: 0300 222 5756.

Further information

Special guardianship regulations (PDF, 194KB)

Family Rights Group website.

Kinship website.