Discharge of Care / Conversion to SGO

Securing permanence and reducing costs

It’s often an overlooked area but the safe application of discharge of care orders and the conversion of foster carers or kinship carers into Special Guardians can achieve measurable cost-savings.

Securing permanence is at the heart of our solution; providing children and young people with a lasting safe environment. Our 26-week structured model involves us taking case holding responsibility for an agreed number of Looked-After Children (LAC) cases. Cases that are specifically assessed as being suitable for discharge of care and/or conversion to Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) in order to provide greater security and a firmer foundation.

We make the discharge of care order proceedings run efficiently and secure a place of permanence for children whilst reducing LAC numbers.

A structured model

Our specialist team of social workers are experienced at safely handling discharge of care orders on PWP cases or seeking Special Guardianship Orders. They take a child-centred approach that thoroughly assesses the short and long-term needs of the child.

An evidence-based approach

We are meticulous at gathering the right evidence to support the right plan for the child.

From day one of the project we begin gathering all relevant documentation to prevent delay later in the process. This allows time for close communication with all involved with each child or young person to ensure evidence is ready for court and everyone has had an input into a robust plan of support; whether this be an SGO support plan or a Child In Need / Early Help step down plan of continued support for the family.

Supporting Special Guardians

We also support the Special Guardian in accessing mainstream support, where necessary, and make them aware of their entitlement to benefits. Where it is considered to be beneficial to the child’s welfare, and to support the Special Guardian after the order has been made, we implement other support requirements as part of the overall support plan.

Who we’ve helped

We couldn’t be where we are today, helping secure permanence and reducing costs, without the commitment from our local authority clients to do things differently.

Who we’ve helped

We couldn’t be where we are today, making the difference we do – on the ground and at a
service management level – without the commitment from our local authority clients.

Let us help you

We’ll help you realise cost-savings by safely discharging looked-after children from your local authority’s care; all whilst securing a place of permanence for the child.

Book a free half-day diagnostic visit from senior members of our team, who will explore how our discharge of care solution could work for you.

Book diagnostics visit