Special guardianship support
We recognise the rapidly increasing number of children who live within families under a special guardianship order, and the many challenges for special guardians who provide these loving homes. These can include managing family time (contact) with birth parents, finances, health issues and the children’s emotional needs due to previous trauma and attachment issues. Our Special Guardianship Support Team provides access to support to deal with these and other issues.
The aim of our service is to:
- Improve outcomes for children living with special guardians
- Provide friendly and accessible support, information and guidance to special guardians living in Shropshire
Who are we?
I'm a senior social worker and started in this post in November 2018.
Prior to this I worked for Telford & Wrekin Children's Services from 2006 as a duty desk coordinator before gaining my social work degree in 2015. I then moved to Shropshire Council, initially in the Assessment Team (mainly child protection and children in need-level cases).
Outside of work I still find reasons to avoid going to the gym and instead pretend to do housework.
Amy Morgan
Senior social worker
01743 250194
Amy.morgan@shropshire.gov.uk
In June 2022, I joined Amy as a social worker offering support to our special guardians.
Before qualifying as a social worker, I worked for Shropshire Council for 18 years as a teacher, assistant head teacher and an advisory teacher for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Prior to joining child placement services, I worked in a case management team working with children and families in central Shropshire.
When not at work I love rummaging in car boot sales and antique fairs (weather permitting). I'm also slightly obsessed with Rightmove and seeking the perfect home that I will never be able to afford but can always dream about!
Jane Otter
Social worker
01743 258796
Jane.otter@shropshire.gov.uk
I'm new to the SGO team and excited to join Amy and Jane having started my role as a Special Guardianship Support social worker in January 2025.
I've previously worked as a teacher in further education and manager of a satellite provision within a specialist college, in addition to working as an early help practitioner based in schools.
Since qualifying as a social worker, I've worked in both children’s and adult services in the central and north Shropshire areas.
When I'm not working, I'm busy with home renovations and enjoy spending time with my family.
Louise Bowen
Social worker
01743 252237
louise.bowen@shropshire.gov.uk
What do we do?
- Information and support for those considering an SGO or who are already special guardians
- Assessments of need and reviews of special guardianship support plans
- Mediation to support positive family time (contact) with birth parents, including support with letter box contact
- Signposting to support services and referrals to appropriate agencies as required
- Support with matters relating to education
- Provide access to training programmes
- Coffee mornings to meet other special guardians
- Newsletters
What is a special guardianship order?
An SGO is a way of providing permanence for children and young people. It gives legal security for children who can't remain in the care of their birth parents, and is an alternative to adoption, long-term fostering or a child arrangement order.
An SGO lasts until a child is 18, unless it's discharged earlier by the court.
How to contact the Special Guardianship Support Team
- Office hours: Monday to Thursday 8:45am to 5pm. Fridays 8:45am to 4pm (closed on bank holidays)
- Phone: 01743 250194 or 01743 258796
- Email: SGO.Duty@shropshire.gov.uk