About Kinship Mediation
Kinship mediation is a process that helps kinship carers and parents work together to make decisions about a child. It can help with contact arrangements, communication, and conflict management.
A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a legal arrangement in the UK that allows a child to live with someone other than their birth parents when adoption isn’t suitable. This order grants the special guardian parental responsibility, enabling them to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing until they turn 18.
Key aspects of Special Guardianship Orders:
Parental Responsibility: The special guardian can make day-to-day decisions regarding the child’s welfare, such as education and medical treatment, without consulting the birth parents. However, certain decisions, like changing the child’s surname or taking them abroad for more than three months, require consent from all with parental responsibility or court approval.
Maintaining Birth Family Links: Unlike adoption, SGOs do not sever the legal relationship between the child and their birth parents, preserving the child’s connection to their biological family.
Support Services: Special guardians may access various support services, including financial assistance, counseling, and training, to help meet the child’s needs.
Mediation Services for Special Guardianship:
Mediation plays a crucial role in resolving disagreements related to special guardianship arrangements, ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritised. Our mediation services are available across the North West region, not limited to Wigan, and aim to facilitate constructive discussions among all parties involved.
Benefits of Our Mediation Services:
Impartial Facilitation: Our trained mediators provide a neutral platform for all parties to express their views and work towards mutually agreeable solutions.
Cost-Effective Resolution: Mediation often reduces the need for prolonged legal proceedings, saving time and resources.
Confidentiality: Discussions during mediation are private, fostering open communication without fear of external judgment.
Contact Us:
If you’re considering applying for a Special Guardianship Order or need assistance with existing arrangements, our mediation services can provide the support and guidance you need. Please reach out to us to discuss your situation and explore how we can assist you.
By offering comprehensive mediation services, we aim to support families in navigating the complexities of special guardianship, ensuring the well-being and stability of the children involved.
