In some cases it may be that the parents of a child or children are unable to continue to care for that child or those children, and therefore the Local Authority start to look at who else may be able to do so. In these cases the Local Authority often advise a relative to seek legal advice and to make an application for a Special Guardianship Order. Special Guardianship is one step down from adoption and provides the person with Special Guardianship with overriding Parental Responsibility for the child/children involved.
Legal Aid is not usually available for Special Guardianship, and therefore the Local Authority sometimes agree to contribute an amount of money towards legal fees.
