Consultation to help shape special guardians policy

Bridgend County Borough Council has launched a consultation to help inform the development of a Special Guardianship Order Financial Policy.

Some children are unable to live with their birth parents and may live with a special guardian for a period of time. A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a court order which appoints a specific person or people to become a child’s guardian until they reach 18.

Currently, 125 children are living with special guardians across Bridgend county borough.

There are many reasons that lead to some children being unable to live with their parents and SGOs allow them to settle in a secure, permanent home. The council is looking to increase the number of special guardians to provide the very best outcomes for our children and young people.

By law, the council is required to make arrangements for the provision of support to special guardians, including financial support where it is necessary to ensure the arrangements for an SGO can be secured.

I would encourage residents, especially those with experience of special guardianships, to take part in this consultation to help us shape our financial policy going forward. The survey asks if you think the information in the policy is clear, if any details are missing and any other comments you have.

Councillor Nicole Burnett, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help

For more information, including links to the policy and consultation survey, visit the council’s webpage. The consultation is open until 9 May 2021.