SGO support plan

[Polly]

Can someone tell us whether an SGO support Plan is legally binding on a Local Authority? We are taking legal advice at a later date but welcome some initial
guidance as we formulate what we want the LA to deliver. Thank you.

[Polly]

Thanks for replying. our main concern is a legal guarantee of financial support (we know it will always be means tested) which they have agreed in principle. But we are also trying to reach an agreement with the child'sLA (which has a good SGO policy of supporting after order if needed) to move from fostering to SGO without transferring the post order support package to our LA (which is failing). we and the LA agree SGO is in the best interest of the child. If they don't agree we will stay with the status quo as emotional needs are unknown.

[Polly]

No. financially they remain the responsibility of the home LA but after a year any other support becomes the responsibility of our LA eg supporting access to therapy etc. Our LA SGO policy is you access services like any normal parent - and they don't delver effectively to LAC children never mind the general public. We would be on our own fighting all the way. Yes, we agree we will get everything in writing. Appointment with a solicitor for advice has been made today - costly but will avoid heartache further down the line. Thank you for replying.

If the moderators have any thoughts from their perspective that would be useful.