Issue - meetings

To update the Committee on progress with Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs).

The Committee received a progress update report on Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) and showing that targets for the current financial year for the granting of SGOs and adoption orders were anticipated to be exceeded. A review of placements had identified  opportunities in relation to encouraging the movement of foster placements into SGOs as an area for future focused work, especially as support arrangements, including financial provision, for SGOs had been strengthened and developed. In response to a query regarding specific room specification requirements for SGOs, confirmation was provided that space considerations would be taken into account under any assessment carried out for the order, with funding available to provide additional space if deemed necessary.

Following questions from Members regarding the stability of SGOs, the Committee were advised that the Orders were a relatively new concept and as such, limited statistically significant information was available for an accurate assessment of success to be made. At present in Haringey, there had been no breakdown of SGOs since their introduction, although it was emphasised that it remained early days.  

RESOLVED:

·      That the report be noted.