- Latest available (Revised)
- Original (As made)
There are currently no known outstanding effects for the The Special Guardianship Regulations 2005.
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.
This Statutory Instrument has been printed in substitution of the SI of the same number and is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of that Statutory Instrument.
Statutory Instruments
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, ENGLAND
SOCIAL CARE, ENGLAND
Made
4th April 2005
Laid before Parliament
6th April 2005
Coming into force
30th December 2005
The Secretary of State for Education and Skills, in exercise of the powers conferred on her by sections 14A(8)(b), 14F, 24(5)(za), and 104(4) of the Children Act 1989(1), hereby makes the following Regulations:–
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Special Guardianship Regulations 2005 and shall come into force on 30th December 2005.
(2) These Regulations apply to England only.
2.—(1) In these Regulations—
“the Act” means the Children Act 1989;
“couple” has the same meaning as in section 144(4) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002(2);
“Local Health Board” means a Local Health Board established by the National Assembly for Wales under section 16BA of the National Health Service Act 1977(3);
“prospective special guardian” means a person—
who has given notice to a local authority under section 14A(7) of the Act of his intention to make an application for a special guardianship order in accordance with section 14A(3) of the Act; or
in respect of whom a court has requested that a local authority conduct an investigation and prepare a report pursuant to section 14A(9) of the Act;
“relevant child” means a child in respect of whom—
a special guardianship order is in force;
a person has given notice to a local authority under section 14A(7) of the Act of his intention to make an application for a special guardianship order in accordance with section 14A(3) of the Act; or
a court is considering whether a special guardianship order should be made and has asked a local authority to conduct an investigation and prepare a report pursuant to section 14A(9) of the Act [F1;
“universal credit” means universal credit under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012].
(2) In any case where—
(a)a person aged 18 or over is in full-time education or training; and
(b)immediately before he reached the age of 18, financial support was payable in relation to him under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of these Regulations,
then, for the purposes of the continued provision of financial support and any review of financial support, these Regulations shall have effect in relation to him as if he were still a child.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Consequential, Supplementary, Incidental and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/630), regs. 1(2), 46(2)
Commencement Information
3.—(1) For the purposes of section 14F(1)(b) of the Act the following services are prescribed as special guardianship support services (in addition to counselling, advice and information)—
(a)financial support payable under Chapter 2;
(b)services to enable groups of—
(i)relevant children;
(ii)special guardians;
(iii)prospective special guardians; and
(iv)parents of relevant children,
to discuss matters relating to special guardianship;
(c)assistance, including mediation services, in relation to arrangements for contact between a relevant child and—
(i)his parent or a relative of his; or
(ii)any other person with whom such a child has a relationship which appears to the local authority to be beneficial to the welfare of the child having regard to the factors specified in section 1(3) of the Act;
(d)services in relation to the therapeutic needs of a relevant child;
(e)assistance for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of the relationship between a relevant child and a special guardian or prospective special guardian, including—
(i)training for that person to meet any special needs of that child;
(ii)subject to paragraph (3), respite care;
(iii)mediation in relation to matters relating to special guardianship orders.
(2) The services prescribed in paragraph (1)(b) to (e) may include giving assistance in cash.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e)(ii) respite care that consists of the provision of accommodation must be accommodation provided by or on behalf of a local authority under section 23 of the Act (accommodation of looked after children) or by a voluntary organisation under section 59 of the Act.
4.—(1) The following are prescribed for the purposes of section 14F(9)(b) of the Act (persons who may provide special guardianship support services)—
(a)a registered adoption society;
(b)a registered adoption support agency;
(c)a registered fostering agency;
(d)a Local Health Board [F2, [F3an integrated care board] and [F4NHS England]];
F5(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) In paragraph (1)—
(a)“registered adoption society” has the same meaning as in the Adoption and Children Act 2002;
[F6(b)“adoption support agency” has the same meaning as in the Adoption and Children Act 2002;
(c)“fostering agency”—
(a)in relation to England, means a fostering agency within the meaning of section 4(4) of the Care Standards Act 2000, and
(b)in relation to Wales, means a fostering service within the meaning of paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 to the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016;
(d)“registered” in relation to any such agency means that a person is registered in respect of it under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 or Part 1 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.]
Textual Amendments
F2Words in reg. 4(1)(d) substituted (1.4.2013) by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 82(2)
F3Words in Regulations substituted (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Consequential and Related Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/634), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 1(1)(3) (with Sch. para. 1(2))
F4Words in Instrument substituted (6.11.2023) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Further Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1071), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 1
F5Reg. 4(1)(e) omitted (5.5.2010) by virtue of The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) (Local and Subordinate Legislation) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1172), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 56(2)
F6Reg. 4(2)(b)-(d) substituted for reg. 4(2)(b) (29.4.2019) by The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential Amendments to Secondary Legislation) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/237), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 10(2)
Commencement Information
5.—(1) Section 14F of the Act (special guardianship support services) applies to a local authority in respect of the following persons who are outside the authority’s area—
(a)a relevant child who is looked after by the local authority or was looked after by the local authority immediately before the making of a special guardianship order;
(b)a special guardian or prospective special guardian of such a child;
(c)a child of a special guardian or prospective special guardian mentioned in sub-paragraph (b).
(2) But section 14F ceases to apply at the end of the period of three years from the date of the special guardianship order except in a case where the local authority are providing financial support under Chapter 2 and the decision to provide that support was made before the making of the order.
(3) Nothing in this regulation prevents a local authority from providing special guardianship support services to persons outside their area where they consider it appropriate to do so.
6.—(1) Financial support is payable under this Chapter to a special guardian or prospective special guardian—
(a)to facilitate arrangements for a person to become the special guardian of a child where the local authority consider such arrangements to be beneficial to the child’s welfare; or
(b)to support the continuation of such arrangements after a special guardianship order is made.
(2) Such support is payable only in the following circumstances—
(a)where the local authority consider that it is necessary to ensure that the special guardian or prospective special guardian can look after the child;
(b)where the local authority consider that the child needs special care which requires a greater expenditure of resources than would otherwise be the case because of his illness, disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties or the consequences of his past abuse or neglect;
(c)where the local authority consider that it is appropriate to contribute to any legal costs, including court fees, of a special guardian or prospective special guardian, as the case may be, associated with—
(i)the making of a special guardianship order or any application to vary or discharge such an order;
(ii)an application for an order under section 8 of the Act;
(iii)an order for financial provision to be made to or for the benefit of the child; or
(d)where the local authority consider that it is appropriate to contribute to the expenditure necessary for the purposes of accommodating and maintaining the child, including the provision of furniture and domestic equipment, alterations to and adaptations of the home, provision of means of transport and provision of clothing, toys and other items necessary for the purpose of looking after the child.
7.—(1) Financial support under this Chapter may include an element of remuneration but only where the decision to include it is taken before the special guardianship order is made and the local authority consider it to be necessary in order to facilitate arrangements for a person to become a special guardian in a case where—
(a)the special guardian or prospective special guardian has been a local authority foster parent in respect of the child; and
(b)an element of remuneration was included in the payments made by the local authority to that person in relation to his fostering the child.
(2) But that element of remuneration ceases to be payable after the expiry of the period of two years from the making of the special guardianship order unless the local authority consider its continuation to be necessary having regard to the exceptional needs of the child or any other exceptional circumstances.
8. Financial support under this Chapter may be paid—
(a)periodically, if it is provided to meet a need which is likely to give rise to recurring expenditure; or
(b)in any other case by a single payment or, if the local authority and the special guardian or prospective special guardian agree, by instalments.
9. Financial support ceases to be payable to a special guardian or prospective special guardian if—
(a)the child ceases to have a home with him;
(b)the child ceases full-time education or training and commences employment;
(c)the child qualifies for [F7universal credit,] income support [F8, jobseeker's allowance or employment and support allowance] in his own right; or
(d)the child attains the age of 18 unless he continues in full-time education or training, when it may continue until the end of the course or training he is then undertaking.
Textual Amendments
F7Words in reg. 9(c) inserted (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Consequential, Supplementary, Incidental and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/630), regs. 1(2), 46(3)
F8Words in reg. 9(c) substituted (27.10.2008) by The Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No. 3) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1879), regs. 1(1), 7
Commencement Information
10.—(1) Where financial support is to be paid periodically it is not payable until the special guardian or prospective special guardian agrees to the following conditions—
(a)that he will inform the local authority immediately if—
(i)he changes his address;
(ii)the child dies;
(iii)any of the changes mentioned in regulation 9 (cessation of financial support) occurs; or
(iv)there is a change in his financial circumstances or the financial needs or resources of the child which may affect the amount of financial support payable to him,
and, where the information is given orally, to confirm it in writing within seven days;
(b)that he will complete and supply the local authority with an annual statement as to the following matters—
(i)his financial circumstances;
(ii)the financial needs and resources of the child;
(iii)his address and whether the child still has a home with him.
(2) The local authority may provide financial support subject to any other conditions they consider appropriate, including the timescale within which, and purposes for which, any payment of financial support should be utilised.
(3) Subject to paragraph (4), where any condition imposed in accordance with this regulation is not complied with, the local authority may—
(a)suspend or terminate payment of financial support; and
(b)seek to recover all or part of the financial support they have paid.
(4) Where the condition not complied with is a failure to provide an annual statement in accordance with an agreement referred to in paragraph (1), the local authority shall not take any steps under paragraph (3) until—
(a)they have sent to the person who entered into the agreement a written reminder of the need to provide an annual statement; and
(b)28 days have expired since the date on which that reminder was sent.
11.—(1) The following persons are prescribed for the purposes of section 14F(3) of the Act (persons at whose request an assessment must be carried out)—
(a)a relevant child who is looked after by the local authority or was looked after by the local authority immediately before the making of a special guardianship order;
(b)a special guardian or prospective special guardian of such a child;
(c)a parent of such a child.
(2) Paragraph (3) applies if the local authority receive a written request from or, in the case of a child, on behalf of any of the following persons (not being a person falling within paragraph (1)) for an assessment of his needs for special guardianship support services—
(a)a person mentioned in section 14F(3)(a) to (c) of the Act;
(b)a child of a special guardian;
(c)any person whom the local authority consider to have a significant and ongoing relationship with a relevant child.
(3) The local authority must, if they are minded not to carry out an assessment, give the person notice of the proposed decision (including the reasons for it) and must allow him a reasonable opportunity to make representations in relation to that decision.
(4) Where the request of a person for an assessment relates to a particular special guardianship support service, or it appears to the local authority that a person’s needs for special guardianship support services may be adequately assessed by reference to a particular special guardianship support service, the local authority may carry out the assessment by reference to that service only.
12.—(1) Where the local authority carry out an assessment of a person’s needs for special guardianship support services they must have regard to such of the following considerations as are relevant to the assessment—
(a)the developmental needs of the child;
(b)the parenting capacity of the special guardian or prospective special guardian, as the case may be;
(c)the family and environmental factors that have shaped the life of the child;
(d)what the life of the child might be like with the person falling within sub-paragraph (b);
(e)any previous assessments undertaken in relation to the child or a person falling within sub-paragraph (b);
(f)the needs of a person falling within sub-paragraph (b) and of that person’s family;
(g)where it appears to the local authority that there is a pre-existing relationship between a person falling within sub-paragraph (b) and the parent of the child, the likely impact of the special guardianship order on the relationships between that person, that child and that parent.
(2) The local authority must, where they consider it appropriate to do so—
(a)interview the person whose needs for special guardianship support services are being assessed;
(b)where the person falling within sub-paragraph (a) is a child, interview—
(i)any special guardian or prospective special guardian, as the case may be, of the child; or
(ii)any adult the local authority consider it appropriate to interview.
(3) Where it appears to the local authority that the person may have a need for services from [F9a Local Health Board, [F3an integrated care board], [F4NHS England]] or [F10another local authority], they must, as part of the assessment, consult [F11that [F12body]].
(4) After undertaking an assessment, the local authority must prepare a written report of the assessment.
Textual Amendments
F3Words in Regulations substituted (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Consequential and Related Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/634), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 1(1)(3) (with Sch. para. 1(2))
F4Words in Instrument substituted (6.11.2023) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Further Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1071), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 1
F9Words in reg. 12(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 82(3)(a)
F10Words in reg. 12(3) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) (Local and Subordinate Legislation) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1172), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 56(3)(a)
F11Words in reg. 12(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 82(3)(b)
F12Word in reg. 12(3) substituted (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Consequential and Related Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/634), regs. 1(2), 21(2)
Commencement Information
13.—(1) This regulation applies where the local authority carry out an assessment of a person’s need for financial support.
(2) In determining the amount of financial support, the local authority must take account of any other grant, benefit, allowance or resource which is available to the person in respect of his needs as a result of becoming a special guardian of the child.
(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5) the local authority must also take account of the following considerations—
(a)the person’s financial resources, including any tax credit or benefit, which would be available to him if the child lived with him;
(b)the amount required by the person in respect of his reasonable outgoings and commitments (excluding outgoings in respect of the child);
(c)the financial needs and resources of the child.
(4) The local authority must disregard the considerations in paragraph (3) where they are considering providing financial support in respect of legal costs, including court fees, in a case where a special guardianship order is applied for in respect of a child who is looked after by the local authority and the authority support the making of the order or an application is made to vary or discharge a special guardianship order in respect of such a child.
(5) The local authority may disregard any of the considerations in paragraph (3)—
(a)where they are considering providing financial support in respect of—
(i)initial costs of accommodating a child who has been looked after by the local authority;
(ii)recurring costs in respect of travel for the purpose of visits between the child and a related person; or
(iii)any special care referred to in regulation 6(2)(b) in relation to a child who has been looked after by the local authority; or
(b)where they are considering including an element of remuneration under regulation 7.
(6) In paragraph (5)(a)(ii) “related person” means a relative of the child or any other person with whom the child has a relationship which appears to the local authority to be beneficial to the welfare of the child having regard to the factors specified in section 1(3) of the Act.
14.—(1) This regulation applies in relation to the requirement in section 14F(6) of the Act for the local authority to prepare a plan in accordance with which special guardianship support services are to be provided.
(2) The local authority must prepare a plan if—
(a)they propose to provide special guardianship support services to a person on more than one occasion; and
(b)the services are not limited to the provision of advice or information.
(3) Where it appears to the local authority that the person may have a need for services from [F13a Local Health Board, [F3an integrated care board], [F4NHS England]] or [F14another local authority], they must consult [F15that [F16body]] before preparing the plan.
(4) The local authority must nominate a person to monitor the provision of the services in accordance with the plan.
Textual Amendments
F3Words in Regulations substituted (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Consequential and Related Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/634), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 1(1)(3) (with Sch. para. 1(2))
F4Words in Instrument substituted (6.11.2023) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Further Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1071), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 1
F13Words in reg. 14(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 82(4)(a)
F14Words in reg. 14(3) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) (Local and Subordinate Legislation) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1172), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 56(4)(a)
F15Words in reg. 14(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 82(4)(b)
F16Word in reg. 14(3) substituted (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Consequential and Related Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/634), regs. 1(2), 21(3)
Commencement Information
15.—(1) Before making any decision under section 14F(5) of the Act as to a person’s needs for special guardianship support services, the local authority must allow the person an opportunity to make representations in accordance with this regulation.
(2) The local authority must first give the person notice of the proposed decision and the time allowed for making representations.
(3) The notice must contain the following information—
(a)a statement as to the person’s needs for special guardianship support services;
(b)where the assessment relates to his need for financial support, the basis upon which financial support is determined;
(c)whether the local authority propose to provide him with special guardianship support services;
(d)the services (if any) that are proposed to be provided to him;
(e)if financial support is to be paid to him, the proposed amount that would be payable; and
(f)any proposed conditions under regulation 10(2).
(4) In a case where the local authority propose to provide special guardianship support services and are required to prepare a plan under section 14F(6) of the Act, the notice must be accompanied by a draft of that plan.
(5) The local authority shall not make a decision until—
(a)the person has made representations to the local authority or notified the local authority that he is satisfied with the proposed decision and, where applicable, the draft plan; or
(b)the period of time for making representations has expired.
16.—(1) After making their decision under section 14F(5) of the Act as to whether to provide special guardianship support services to a person, the local authority must give the person notice of that decision, including the reasons for it.
(2) Where the local authority are required to prepare a plan under section 14F(6) of the Act, the notice must include details of that plan and the person nominated under regulation 14(4).
(3) If the local authority decide that financial support is to be provided, the notice given under paragraph (1) must include the following information—
(a)the method of the determination of the amount of financial support;
(b)where financial support is to be paid in instalments or periodically—
(i)the amount of financial support;
(ii)the frequency with which the payment will be made;
(iii)the period for which financial support is to be paid;
(iv)when payment will commence;
(c)where financial support is to be paid as a single payment, when the payment is to be made;
(d)where financial support is to be paid subject to any conditions imposed in accordance with regulation 10(2), those conditions, the date (if any) by which the conditions are to be met and the consequences of failing to meet the conditions;
(e)the arrangements and procedure for review, variation and termination of financial support;
(f)the responsibilities of—
(i)the local authority under regulations 17 and 18 (reviews); and
(ii)the special guardian or prospective special guardian pursuant to any agreement mentioned in regulation 10.
17.—(1) This regulation applies where the local authority provide special guardianship support services for a person other than financial support payable periodically.
(2) The local authority must review the provision of such services—
(a)if any change in the person’s circumstances which may affect the provision of special guardianship support services comes to their notice;
(b)at such stage in the implementation of the plan as they consider appropriate; and
(c)in any event, at least annually.
(3) Regulations 12 and 13 apply in relation to a review under this regulation as they apply in relation to an assessment under Chapter 3 of this Part.
(4) If the local authority propose to vary or terminate the provision of special guardianship support services to any person, before making any decision as a result of the review they must give the person an opportunity to make representations and for that purpose they must give him notice of the proposed decision and the time allowed for making representations.
(5) The notice must contain the information mentioned in regulation 15(3) and, if the local authority propose to revise the plan, a draft of the revised plan.
(6) The local authority must, having regard to the review and after considering any representations received within the period specified in the notice—
(a)decide whether to vary or terminate the provision of special guardianship support services for the person; and
(b)where appropriate, revise the plan.
(7) The local authority must give the person notice of their decision (including the reasons for it) and, if applicable, details of the revised plan.
18.—(1) This regulation applies where the local authority provide financial support for a person payable periodically.
(2) The local authority must review the financial support—
(a)on receipt of the annual statement mentioned in regulation 10;
(b)if any relevant change of circumstances or any breach of a condition mentioned in regulation 10 comes to their notice; and
(c)at any stage in the implementation of the plan that they consider appropriate.
(3) In paragraph (2) a relevant change of circumstances is any of the changes that the person has agreed to notify under regulation 10.
(4) Regulations 12 and 13 apply in relation to a review under this regulation as they apply in relation to an assessment under Chapter 3 of this Part.
(5) If the local authority propose, as a result of the review, to reduce or terminate financial support or revise the plan, before making that decision, the local authority must give the person an opportunity to make representations and for that purpose they must give the person notice of the proposed decision and the time allowed for making representations.
(6) But paragraph (5) does not prevent the local authority from suspending payment of financial support pending that decision.
(7) The notice must contain the information mentioned in regulation 15(3) and, if applicable, a draft of the revised plan.
(8) The local authority must, having regard to the review, and after considering any representations received within the period specified in the notice—
(a)decide whether to vary or terminate payment of the financial support or whether to seek to recover all or part of any financial support that has been paid; and
(b)where appropriate, revise the plan.
(9) The local authority must give the person notice of their decision, including the reasons for it, and, if applicable, the revised plan.
19. Where any requirement applicable to the local authority in this Part in relation to carrying out an assessment, preparing a plan or giving notice would delay the provision of a service in a case of urgency, that requirement does not apply.
20.—(1) Any notice required to be given under this Part must be given in writing.
(2) If the person to whom notice is to be given is a child and—
(a)it appears to the local authority that the child is not of sufficient age and understanding for it to be appropriate to give him such notice; or
(b)in all the circumstances it is not appropriate to give him such notice,
the notice must be given to his special guardian or prospective special guardian (where applicable) or otherwise to the adult the local authority consider most appropriate.
21. The matters specified in the Schedule are the matters prescribed for the purposes of section 14A(8)(b) of the Act (matters to be dealt with in report for the court).
22. For the purposes of section 24(5)(za) of the Act (persons qualifying for advice and assistance) the relevant authority shall be the local authority which last looked after the person.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Education and Skills
Filkin
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Department for Education and Skills
4th April 2005
Regulation 21
The following matters are prescribed for the purposes of section 14A(8)(b) of the Act.
1. In respect of the child—E+W
(a)name, sex, date and place of birth and address including local authority area;
(b)a photograph and physical description;
(c)nationality (and immigration status where appropriate);
(d)racial origin and cultural and linguistic background;
(e)religious persuasion (including details of baptism, confirmation or equivalent ceremonies);
(f)details of any siblings including their dates of birth;
(g)the extent of the child’s contact with his relatives and any other person the local authority consider relevant;
[F17(ga)any harm which the child has suffered;
(gb)any risk of future harm to the child posed by the child’s parents, relatives or any other person the local authority consider relevant;]
(h)whether the child is or has been looked after by a local authority or is or has been provided with accommodation by a voluntary organisation and details (including dates) of placements by the authority or organisation;
(i)whether the prospective special guardian is a local authority foster parent of the child;
(j)a description of the child’s personality, his social development and his emotional and behavioural development and any related [F18current needs or likely future] needs;
(k)details of the child’s interests, likes and dislikes;
(l)a health history and a description of the state of the child’s health which shall include any treatment the child is receiving;
(m)names, addresses and types of nurseries or schools attended with dates;
(n)the child’s educational attainments;
(o)whether the child is subject to a statement of special educational needs under [F19the Children and Families Act 2014]; and
(p)details of any order made by a court with respect to the child under the Act including—
(i)the name of the court;
(ii)the order made; and
(iii)the date on which the order was made.
Textual Amendments
F17Sch. para. 1(ga)(gb) inserted (29.2.2016) by The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/111), regs. 1, 4(a) (with reg. 2)
F18Words in Sch. para. 1(j) inserted (29.2.2016) by The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/111), regs. 1, 4(b) (with reg. 2)
F19Words in Sch. para. 1(o) substituted (1.9.2014) by The Special Educational Needs (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2103), arts. 1, 18
Commencement Information
I23Sch. para. 1 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
2. In respect of the child’s family—E+W
(a)name, date and place of birth and address (and the date on which their last address was confirmed) including local authority area of each parent of the child and his siblings under the age of 18;
(b)a photograph, if available, and physical description of each parent;
(c)nationality (and immigration status where appropriate) of each parent;
(d)racial origin and cultural and linguistic background of each parent;
(e)whether the child’s parents were married to [F20, or civil partners of,] each other at the time of the child’s birth or have subsequently married [F21or formed a civil partnership]F22...;
[F23(ea)whether—
(i)if the child’s parents have been married as mentioned in sub-paragraph (e), they are divorced or separated; or
(ii)if the child’s parents have been civil partners as so mentioned, the partnership has been dissolved or they are separated;]
(f)where the child’s parents have been previously married or formed a civil partnership, the date of the marriage or civil partnership;
(g)where the child’s parents are not married [F24or civil partners], whether the father has parental responsibility and, if so, how it was acquired;
(h)if the identity or whereabouts of the father are not known, the information about him that has been ascertained and from whom, and the steps that have been taken to establish paternity;
(i)the past and present relationship of the child’s parents;
(j)where available, the following information in respect of each parent—
(i)health history, including details of any serious physical or mental illness, any hereditary disease or disorder or disability;
(ii)religious persuasion;
(iii)educational history;
(iv)employment history;
(v)personality and interests;
(k)in respect of the child’s siblings under the age of 18—
(i)the person with whom the sibling is living;
(ii)whether the sibling is looked after by a local authority or provided with accommodation by a voluntary organisation; and
(iii)details of any court order made with respect to the sibling under the Act, including the name of the court, the order made and the date on which the order was made.
Textual Amendments
F20Words in Sch. para. 2(e) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 75(a)(i)
F21Words in Sch. para. 2(e) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 75(a)(ii)
F22Words in Sch. para. 2(e) omitted (2.12.2019) by virtue of The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 75(a)(iii)
F23Sch. para. 2(ea) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 75(b)
F24Words in Sch. para. 2(g) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 75(c)
Commencement Information
I24Sch. para. 2 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
3. In respect of the wishes and feelings of the child and others—E+W
(a)an assessment of the child’s wishes and feelings (considered in light of his age and understanding) regarding—
(i)special guardianship;
(ii)his religious and cultural upbringing; and
(iii)contact with his relatives and any other person the local authority consider relevant,
and the date on which the child’s wishes and feelings were last ascertained.
(b)the wishes and feelings of each parent regarding—
(i)special guardianship;
(ii)the child’s religious and cultural upbringing; and
(iii)contact with the child,
and the date on which the wishes and feelings of each parent were last ascertained; and
(c)the wishes and feelings of any of the child’s relatives, or any other person the local authority consider relevant regarding the child and the dates on which those wishes and feelings were last ascertained.
Commencement Information
I25Sch. para. 3 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
4. In respect of the prospective special guardian or, where two or more persons are jointly prospective special guardians, each of them—E+W
(a)name, date and place of birth and address including local authority area;
(b)a photograph and physical description;
(c)nationality (and immigration status where appropriate);
(d)racial origin and cultural and linguistic background;
(e)if the prospective special guardian is—
(i)married, the date and place of marriage;
(ii)has formed a civil partnership, the date and place of registration of the civil partnership; or
(iii)has a partner, details of that relationship;
(f)details of any previous marriage, civil partnership, or relationship;
(g)where the prospective special guardians wish to apply jointly, the nature of their relationship and an assessment of the stability of that relationship;
(h)if the prospective special guardian is a member of a couple and is applying alone for a special guardianship order, the reasons for this;
(i)whether the prospective special guardian is a relative of the child;
[F25(j)an assessment of the nature of the prospective special guardian’s current and past relationship with the child;]
(k)a health history of the prospective special guardian including details of any serious physical or mental illness, any hereditary disease or disorder or disability;
(l)a description of how the prospective special guardian relates to adults and children;
(m)previous experience of caring for children;
[F26(n)an assessment of the prospective special guardian’s parenting capacity, including:
(i)their understanding of, and ability to meet the child’s current and likely future needs, particularly, any needs the child may have arising from harm that the child has suffered;
(ii)their understanding of, and ability to protect the child from any current or future risk of harm posed by the child’s parents, relatives or any other person the local authority consider relevant, particularly in relation to contact between any such person and the child;
(iii)their ability and suitability to bring up the child until the child reaches the age of eighteen;]
(o)where there have been any past assessments as a prospective adopter, foster parent or special guardian, relevant details as appropriate;
(p)details of income and expenditure;
(q)information about the prospective special guardian’s home and the neighbourhood in which he lives;
(r)details of other members of the household and details of any children of the prospective special guardian even if not resident in the household;
(s)details of the parents and any siblings of the prospective special guardian, with their ages or ages at death;
(t)the following information—
(i)religious persuasion;
(ii)educational history;
(iii)employment history; and
(iv)personality and interests;
(u)details of any previous family court proceedings in which the prospective special guardian has been involved (which have not been referred to elsewhere in this report);
(v)a report of each of the interviews with the three persons nominated by the prospective special guardian to provide personal references for him;
(w)whether the prospective special guardian is willing to follow any wishes of the child or his parents in respect of the child’s religious and cultural upbringing;
(x)the views of other members of the prospective special guardian’s household and wider family in relation to the proposed special guardianship order;
(y)an assessment of the child’s current and future relationship with the family of the prospective special guardian;
(z)reasons for applying for a special guardianship order and extent of understanding of the nature and effect of special guardianship and whether the prospective special guardian has discussed special guardianship with the child;
(aa)any hopes and expectations the prospective special guardian has for the child’s future; and
(bb)the prospective special guardian’s wishes and feelings in relation to contact between the child and his relatives or any other person the local authority considers relevant.
Textual Amendments
F25Sch. para. 4(j) substituted (29.2.2016) by The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/111), regs. 1, 5(a) (with reg. 2)
F26Sch. para. 4(n) substituted (29.2.2016) by The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/111), regs. 1, 5(b) (with reg. 2)
Commencement Information
I26Sch. para. 4 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
5. In respect of the local authority which completed the report—E+W
(a)name and address;
(b)details of any past involvement of the local authority with the prospective special guardian, including any past preparation for that person to be a local authority foster parent or adoptive parent or special guardian;
(c)where section 14A(7)(a) of the Act applies and the prospective special guardian lives in the area of another local authority, details of the local authority’s enquiries of that other local authority about the prospective special guardian;
(d)a summary of any special guardianship support services provided by the authority for the prospective special guardian, the child or the child’s parent and the period for which those services are to be provided; and
(e)where the local authority has decided not to provide special guardianship support services, the reasons why.
Commencement Information
I27Sch. para. 5 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
6. A summary prepared by the medical professional who provided the information referred to in paragraphs 1(l) and 4(k).E+W
Commencement Information
I28Sch. para. 6 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
7. The implications of the making of a special guardianship order for—E+W
(a)the child;
(b)the child’s parent;
(c)the prospective special guardian and his family; and
(d)any other person the local authority considers relevant.
Commencement Information
I29Sch. para. 7 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
8. The relative merits of special guardianship and other orders which may be made under the Act or the Adoption and Children Act 2002 with an assessment of whether the child’s long term interests would be best met by a special guardianship order.E+W
Commencement Information
I30Sch. para. 8 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
9. A recommendation as to whether or not the special guardianship order sought should be made in respect of the child and, if not, any alternative proposal in respect of the child.E+W
Commencement Information
I31Sch. para. 9 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
10. A recommendation as to what arrangements there should be for contact between the child and his relatives or any person the local authority consider relevant.E+W
Commencement Information
I32Sch. para. 10 in force at 30.12.2005, see reg. 1(1)
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations make provision in relation to special guardianship orders which are provided for in sections 14A to 14G of the Children Act 1989 (“the Act”).
Part 2 relates to the requirement in section 14F(1) of the Act for local authorities in England to make arrangements for provision of special guardianship support services. Special guardianship support services are defined by section 14F(1) of the Act as counselling, advice and information, and other services prescribed by regulations, in relation to special guardianship.
Chapter 1 of Part 2 deals with the provision of services. Such services are prescribed by regulation 3 and include financial support (as required by section 14F(2)). The provision of services may be secured from the persons specified in regulation 4. Regulation 5 provides for services to persons outside the local authority’s area.
Chapter 2 of Part 2 deals with financial support. It may only be paid in the circumstances specified in regulation 6. It may include a remuneration element where it is paid to a former local authority foster parent under regulation 7. Regulations 8 to 10 provide for payment of financial support, including conditions that may be imposed.
Chapter 3 of Part 2 deals with assessment of a person’s needs for special guardianship support services, plans for provision of services and notifications of proposals and decisions in relation to the provision of services.
Chapter 4 of Part 2 deals with reviews of special guardianship support services.
Chapter 5 of Part 2 contains miscellaneous provision in relation to special guardianship support services, including a general exemption from the requirements in relation to assessments, giving of notice etc. in cases of urgency (regulation 19) and provision as to service of notices (regulation 20).
Part 3 contains miscellaneous provisions. Regulation 21 and the Schedule prescribe the matters that must be included in a report to the court where a person gives notice of an application to be made a special guardian. Regulation 22 specifies for the purposes of sections 24A and 24B of the Act the relevant authority in relation to a child in respect of whom a special guardianship order is in force and who was immediately before the making of that order looked after by a local authority.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been carried out for these Regulations and a copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment can be obtained from the Department for Education and Skills' website http://www.dfes.gov.uk/ria/.
1989 c. 41. Sections 14A and 14F and 24(5)(za) were inserted by, respectively, section 115 of, and paragraph 60(c) of Schedule 3 to, the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38).
1977 c. 49. Section 16BA was inserted by section 6 of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professionals Act 2002 (c. 17).
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Explanatory Memorandum sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Statutory Instrument and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications. They aim to make the Statutory Instrument accessible to readers who are not legally qualified and accompany any Statutory Instrument or Draft Statutory Instrument laid before Parliament from June 2004 onwards.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: