Laura Sharman 22 May 2015

Councils triple number of special guardianship orders

An investigation has revealed that that the number of councils placing babies under a special guardianship order has tripled in the past two years.

Data obtained by the BBC, found that the number of babies being placed with family, friends or foster parents rather than being adopted has risen from 160 in 2012 to 520 in 2014.

Fostering and adoption charity TACT told the BBC that while children living with extended families could be beneficial, there are concerns over whether assessments were detailed enough.

The spokesperson for the Department for Education said: ‘Councils have told us the way they use SGOs has evolved over the 10 years since their introduction, including a rise in orders for younger children in more recent years.

‘That is why we are taking the opportunity to ensure SGOs are only used in the right circumstances, as well as reviewing the existing good practice and support available for special guardians.’

Official figures show that the number of adoptions have fallen in England, from 960 in June 2014 from 1,830 in September 2013.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

YPSA SUPPORT WORKER

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
About UsThe Young Perso... Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

ATV Anchor Educational Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£49789 - £57954
About UsATV Anchor team... Reading
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Service Director of Transformation and ICT

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£95,000 - £110,000
Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Chief People Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£95,000 - £110,000
Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Service Director – Communications and Strategy

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£95,000 - £110,000
Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner