In Wales there are lots of different families, with different backgrounds, cultures, traditions, habits, roles and relationships. Children can grow up in all kinds of ways with different people who care for them.

Some children live with two parents, some with one, some are fostered, some are adopted, and others live with their special guardian.

What does having a special guardian mean?

Usually, you live with special guardians full time, they care for you and are responsible for you until you become an adult.

A special guardian can be a relative or family friend. Having a special guardian isn’t new - it’s always happened. Family members and close friends have often come forward to care for children when needed. A special guardianship order just means your special guardian has some official responsibilities to look after you while you grow up.

There are lots of positive things about having a special guardian. Here is what some people with special guardians have said about their experience:

“I get to live with someone I already know and trust. It meant I got to stay in the same area near my friends. I feel like I belong somewhere.”

“We went to all the same family events so I got to see my cousins and family all the time to.”

“It’s more permanent and that seems to be helping my grades go up at school!”

How can someone become my special guardian?

You can’t just pick anyone to be your special guardian - there are a few steps that need to happen first:

1.    They have to want to be your special guardian and be happy to care for you!
2.    They have to be an adult – over 18.
3.    They have to be checked by your local authority to make sure it’ll be safe for you.
4.    They have to fill in a form to apply to Family Court for a legal order.

This might seem like a hassle, but your local authority is responsible for you and need to make sure that any arrangement for where you live is safe. They should talk to you and find out what you think.

5.    If your local authority are happy with the plan, they write a report and tell the court that the special guardian will care for you and be responsible for you.
6.    If the court agrees, they make a special guardianship order. This passes the legal responsibility over to your special guardian until you're an adult. 
7.    It’s a big step for someone to become a special guardian. So, at Wrexham Council we have made sure there’s lots of advice and support available.

For more information talk to your social worker or email: specialguardianshipsupportteam@wrexham.gov.uk.