Your rights
As a special guardian, there may be times when you need to be clear about your rights, responsibilities and the support you’re entitled to. Our team can explain your rights and what they mean, so that you can be informed and confident when making decisions.
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Issues with family
Information and advice on your rights if you have any issues or requests from the family of the child care you for.
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Digital and remote contact
How to manage digital and remote contact between a child and their family and friends.
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Use your support plan
Information on how to access funding and other support that you are entitled to as a guardian.
How we can help
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Clarify your rights
We can give you clear advice on what you and others can and cannot do in relation to your guardianship and the child in your care.
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Get practical guidance
Our team can help you understand how to apply your rights in practice and support you through the process.
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Help you speak to other professionals
If you need to talk to someone with specific expertise, we can point you in the right direction and help set up those conversations.
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Raise concerns
If you or the child you care for feel threatened, harassed or in danger, please use our list of places that can help you get urgent help.
Three things to know
1. You are responsible for all day-to-day decisions
As a special guardian, you make the decisions about the child’s upbringing and care. You only need to consult their birth parents on three significant decisions: changing their name, moving to another country, and approving adoption.
2. Know your options, not just your rights
It’s important that you know the rules, but also how to apply your rights. That may include handling any emotional or practical impact the move to guardianship has on the child you care for. We can listen to your situation and give you advice on ideas to try next.
3. You can get support if the child was not previously in the care system
The legal setup and definitions around special guardianship are not currently as clear or as fair as they should be. However, every guardian can access support, which includes our free advice line and guardian groups. You can also apply for an assessment to access extra funded support and we are here to help you get what you need.
“It’s one thing to be told ‘here, they’re yours to look after now’ and another thing entirely to know what that actually means in reality. Practical advice is so essential to help know what you can do when you are challenged or feel stuck.”