A report by the Director of Children’s Services served to update Members on the policy changes required in relation to Special Guardianship during 2009/10. The report contained proposals for an interim policy in response to challenges against the Council’s current policy, brought by way of ongoing applications for Judicial Review by two Special Guardians. The report also outlined the background in relation to Special Guardianship and current policy agreed by the Cabinet in November 2006 and subsequent developments that had led to a need to make amendments to the policy.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  a revised policy be prepared in line with the principles set out in the report and it be presented to the Cabinet as soon as the legal issues are clarified; and

(2)  in the interim and in advance of such a policy being agreed, the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to agree financial support for Special Guardian in accordance with the Special Guardianship Regulations (2005) and in line with the advice of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management.