Your rights

Learn how the local authority carries out a special guardian assessment and how to get support through the process.

How your kinship care arrangement affects passport applications for a child’s passport and what documents you need for the passport application.

If you’ve decided an SGO is the right option for your kinship family, find out what’s involved in making an application without the involvement of children’s services

This page explains how to end an SGO if the child’s parents have made significant changes to their lives, and you all agree it’s in the best interests of the child they go back to live with them.

If you've decided to represent yourself in court as a litigant in person, this page provides an overview of the application process and what you need to prepare.

Understand what the support plan is, what you should ask for and how to advocate for your family's needs throughout the process.

Learn the relevant sections of the Children Act 1989 and how they affect kinship care.

Find out what support kinship carers should generally expect from their local authority, and the legal duty they have to all children in your area.

Find out about the role of social workers and children's services, and their role in kinship care

If you are a kinship carer going to court, know how to prepare and what to expect.

If you are unhappy about the way children’s services are working with you, you can make a complaint. This page explains the different steps in making a complaint.

Find out about applying for parental responsibility and what it means for you

Advice on employment rights for kinship carers who need time off work, including flexible working, time for dependants and parental leave.

If you are a family member or friend raising a child on behalf of their parents, legal advice will help you understand what your rights are.