SGO Assessment in Wales: What to Expect from the Local Authority

The Assessment Starts When You Give Notice

Once your local authority receives your written notice of intention to apply for an SGO, it must begin a suitability assessment under Section 14A(8) of the Children Act 1989. In Wales, the scope of this assessment is governed by the Special Guardianship (Wales) Regulations 2005, as strengthened by the 2018 Amendment Regulations.

You do not choose whether the assessment happens — it is triggered automatically by your notice and the local authority is legally required to complete it.

What the Assessment Covers

A social worker will be assigned to your case and will typically conduct several home visits and interviews. The assessment must cover all the areas set out in the Schedule to the 2005 Regulations:

The child's profile — The social worker gathers information about the child's medical history, educational needs, emotional development, racial and cultural background, and any special requirements. They also ask about the child's day-to-day routines and friendships.

Your suitability — This covers your physical and mental health, age, the stability of your home, your financial situation, the suitability of your accommodation, and your long-term capacity to care for the child through to age 18. The council must also assess your understanding of the child's needs.

Relationship and contact — The assessment examines your plans for the child's ongoing contact with birth parents, siblings and other significant people. The social worker will want to know how you intend to manage difficult family dynamics and whether you can support the child's sense of identity.

Safeguarding checks — Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are run on you and all adults in your household. The council also checks child protection registers, requests medical reports from your GP, and takes up personal references.

Wishes and feelings — Welsh regulations require the social worker to ascertain the child's own wishes and feelings about the proposed SGO, taking account of their age and understanding.

The Support Plan

Where the assessment identifies a need for ongoing services, the local authority must draft a Special Guardianship Support Plan. This document sets out the financial and practical support the council proposes to provide after the order is made.

The draft plan must be shared with you before the court hearing. You have the right to make written representations if you disagree with any part of it. The support plan typically covers:

• The regular SGO financial allowance (amount and how it was calculated)
• Any lump-sum grants for settling-in costs
• Respite care or short-break arrangements
• Therapeutic support for the child
• Training or support groups for you as the carer

The plan is presented to the court alongside the assessment report. Once the SGO is granted, the plan must be reviewed at least annually.

How Long Does It Take?

In the usual case, the three-month notice period is the minimum timeline, but the assessment itself can take longer depending on the council's workload and the complexity of the case. If the court sets a timetable for the report, the council must comply with those deadlines.

For a straightforward case with no contested issues, expect the full process — from notice to the local authority report being filed at court — to take three to five months.

What to Do During the Assessment

Be honest and thorough with the social worker. Provide documents they request promptly — birth certificates, proof of address, medical records, school reports. Have a clear plan for how you will meet the child's needs and maintain appropriate contact with birth parents.

The assessment is not adversarial. The social worker is gathering information for the court, not building a case against you. A well-prepared carer who understands the process makes the assessment smoother for everyone.

Getting Prepared

The Kinship Care in Wales guide includes a full breakdown of the assessment stages, the questions social workers ask, and how to prepare for the support plan negotiation.

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