Special Guardianship plus Supervision Order

8 replies

brynboy15 · 07/07/2014 16:31

Hi, I'm new to this so will try and keep it brief. We have decided to apply for an SGO for the 2 girls in foster care with us. Everyone was happy for this to happen as the children would have been split for adoption otherwise. They have an older sister who we have agreed monthly contact with. At their last (hopefully) LAC review today, the SS said that they were also going for a Supervision Order. This was not discussed/explained to us and when I looked it up I was upset that this would mean that (a) the children would still have a court order attached to them and that (b) this would mean that we could still potentially have a social worker visiting us for a year after the SGO was granted. I feel that this has been put in place because the elder sibling is jealous of her sisters and keeps making petty complaints (like the choice of park we went to) about contact. Unlike many posts that I have read - I don't want a supervision order but I don't know where we stand. Any advice would be really helpful.
Thanks

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KristinaM · 07/07/2014 17:25

I'm not an expert, but it think that the LA could apply to have the supervision order extended for up two three years. So it's not just for a year .

Can I just check - do you want to go on fostering other children for this agency . Or are you quitting fostering altogether ?

SandWitch · 07/07/2014 17:29

For a SO to be made the LA would have to demonstrate to a judge that the threshold was met. If your SGO assessment is positive this would be unlikely (although sometimes with family SGO's where the LA are concerned re working in partnership I have known this to be recommended)

Are care proceedings ongoing and if so, are you party to proceedings?

I would argue the 'no order principle' but you need to see the LA's threshold document.

I've been an IRO for 12 years - feel free to PM me if I can be of any help.

Original poster

brynboy15 · 10/07/2014 09:36

We are not continuing to foster, though that's our choice and not something they have insisted on.

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Original poster

brynboy15 · 10/07/2014 09:39

The LA had to ask for an extension as they did not comply with getting paperwork in within 90 days. We agreed to this as everything has been positive so far - the LA did want us to adopt the children but we felt unable to financially. The paperwork is due on Mon 14.7 and then our solicitor will make the application. I want this to state that we will only proceed without any additional orders otherwise I cannot see the point in moving forward with an SGO - they may as well stay in care.

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Original poster

brynboy15 · 10/07/2014 09:40

Apologies - I forgot to say 'Thank you' to you for taking the time to reply to me.

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enormous0 · 11/09/2014 22:37

Hi there I'm new here but just thought I would touch on my very recent long drawn out experience with SGO. I have just been awarded an SGO and a supervision order was mentioned prior to the contested hearing which for me was not a bad thing as this means that LA would supervise any contact with BM for a year. My understanding of this is that it isn't a bad thing to have if there are any concerns regarding hostility or problems that may arise from the older sibling towards the younger two or her behaviour towards you. A court order would be far worse. Can you contact your LA kinship team for advice. A SO can be extended for up to three years. Fortunately the court didn't make any orders in my case in the end. Good luck with everything.

Runner1 · 11/09/2014 22:41

Buster510 · 12/09/2014 10:01

Thank you Runner, congrats on the SGO!

Your comments are very helpful

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