The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016

Amendments to the Special Guardianship Regulations 2005

5.  In paragraph 4 of the Schedule (matters in respect of the prospective special guardian or, where two or more persons are jointly prospective special guardians, each of them) —

(a) for sub-paragraph (j), substitute:

“(j) an assessment of the nature of the prospective special guardian’s current and past relationship with the child;”

(b) for sub-paragraph (n), substitute:

“(n) an assessment of the prospective special guardian’s parenting capacity, including:

(i) their understanding of, and ability to meet the child’s current and likely future needs, particularly, any needs the child may have arising from harm that the child has suffered;

(ii) their understanding of, and ability to protect the child from any current or future risk of harm posed by the child’s parents, relatives or any other person the local authority consider relevant, particularly in relation to contact between any such person and the child;

(iii) their ability and suitability to bring up the child until the child reaches the age of eighteen;”.