Sometimes there is a crisis in the family home and it is necessary for children to be looked after by someone other than their parents. This can be for a short or long term period. In these circumstances relatives and friends often come forward and take on the care of the child.
If you are in this situation, you may decide that you want to apply to court for the arrangement to be secured legally by a special guardianship order (SGO). This is a court order which says that the child will live with you long term and gives you the right to make decisions about the child’s care.