Special guardianship in practice

Since its introduction in 2006, special guardianship has become a well used option for finding permanence for children. But how is it working out in practice? This pioneering research study provides a critical assessment of the implementation of special guardianship in eight local authority areas. It explores the policy and practice issues that have arisen, how special guardianship is being used through an analysis of those applying and the children concerned, identifies some of the key challenges, and considers what may need to happen to make special guardianship work successfully for families.

Who is this book for?

All social workers, managers and policy makers concerned with special guardianship and making permanent placements for children.

What you will find in this book

This study covers:

• The detail of special guardianship provisions and what they mean for children
• How local authorities in eight areas have responded to special guardianship
• What policy and practice issues have arisen in the first two years of implementation
• An analysis of the characteristics, circumstances and motivations of those applying
• An analysis of the characteristics of the children placed
• An analysis of the key challenges that have arisen
• Description of the experiences of carers and children
• Consideration of how best special guardianship can be used to meet the needs of children and carers

Authors

Jim Wade is a Senior Research Fellow in the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York. He has published widely in the area of social work and related services for vulnerable groups of children and young people.

Jo Dixon is a Research Fellow in the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York. She has completed several research studies on outcomes for children and young people in foster and residential care and young people leaving care.

Andrew Richards is the founder of Second Perspective, an independent organisation providing evidence-based research into practice within social policy areas. During his time at the University of York, he worked on research projects concerned with looked after children and young people at risk of custody.

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