There is a dearth of comparative information about special guardians, kinship carers and adopters since the Selwyn report (2014). There is no rigorous formal policy evaluation done since this report to inform whether policy change has made real improvements and properly supported children and families. We need to know whether there is beneficial change on the ground for children and families in need who rely on services because the children have suffered with trauma, abuse, neglect and immense losses. On top of this there have been years of service cuts. Services that affect our families are pared to the bone.
As parents and carers, working alone, without funding or support and with our parenting and care obligations we cannot undertake rigorous policy research. However, we can conduct surveys and reflect on our experiences together to think about what might make things better – and this is what we have done. We hope we will be listened to.
During 2018 SG&AT have conducted peer led research into the difficulties and challenges faced for adopters and special guardians. The reports and presentations we have produced can be seen here.
Health and Wellbeing of Special Guardians and Adopters:Interim Report: March 2018
School Exclusions Report: May 2018
Building Trust with Special Guardian and Adopted Children: April 2018
EHC Plans for Adopted and Special Guardianship Children. An Enquiry: June 2018
Working Together To Help Our Children: June 2018
Connections Survey December 2018
Accessing and Receiving Support. Survey Findings 30.5.19
SPECIAL GUARDIANS AND ADOPTERS TOGETHER ARE A GROUP OF PARENTS AND CARERS WHO COME TOGETHER, IN A SYSTEM THAT NORMALLY DIVIDES ADOPTERS FROM THE CHILDREN’S BIRTH FAMILIES, BECAUSE WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CHILDREN WE LOVE AND ACHIEVING THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR THEM. PLEASE JOIN SG&AT IF YOU ARE A SPECIAL GUARDIAN OR ADOPTIVE PARENT WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO OTHERS IN FUTURE. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE A MEMBERSHIP FORM.
Special Guardians and Adopters Together 