WIREDGOV

Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to a report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on special guardianship orders

“Special guardians are a vital part of the care system, providing a permanent home with a loving family for some of the country’s most vulnerable children and young people, while maintaining a link to their birth family.

“The LGA has long argued for stronger national oversight of the needs of this group of children and carers, and we are pleased that the Government has now extended the remit of the Adoption Leadership Board to also cover special guardianship orders.

“Recent legislative changes to extend the adoption support fund and virtual school head support to children looked after under special guardianship arrangements were also strongly supported by local government. If properly funded, these provisions should help provide vital additional support for these children and their carers.

“Councils are absolutely committed to making sure that high quality support is available for carers and children under special guardianship orders. The Ombudsman’s work provides a valuable opportunity for councils across the country to consider their own local practice alongside the recommendations and good practice highlighted in this report, which we will share with our members.

”Ombudsman challenges councils to ensure appropriate support provided for special guardians