Nigel Priestley, Senior Partner at Ridley & Hall was a key speaker at Community Care Live in London this week. He was speaking on the subject of ‘special guardianship orders – are they being misused?’. He shared the platform with Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group.

Over 100 social workers attended the session. Mr Priestley expressed his concern that SGOs were being made to carers who weren’t present in court had no legal advice and no support package.

“Both the carer and the court should know how placements of – often very damaged – children are going to be supported. We have too many kinship carers without adequate support and contacting us after the order has been made. They need specialist advice long before a final order is made.”

For legal advice on kinship care, please contact us on 01484 538421 and ask to speak to a member of the Community Care team.