Information and advice

These factsheets give guidance on all the kinship care options, the law and other sources of support.

Note: The information’s accuracy is subject to change depending on the law. It should be used as information only and not as legal advice. However, we will make every effort to ensure its accuracy at the time of publishing.

• Legal advice
  The different legal options when caring for someone else’s child.
• Parental responsibility
  What is it? How can it be obtained?
• Jargon and abbreviations
  Dealing with Social Services, now known as Children’s Services, can sometimes be baffling. Here are some explanations of abbreviations and jargon to help make things easier to understand.
• Residence Orders
  What is a residence order? How long does it last? Who can apply? Where and how to apply. How does the court decide?
• Special Guardianship Order
  What is special guardianship? What does it mean? Who can apply? How to apply.
• Private fostering
  What is it? What should you do?