What is wardship?
Wardship is when the High Court is given legal guardianship over you. If wardship is made you will become a ward of court.
What this really means is that no decisions which affect you can be made without the permission of the High Court. Wardship will only be used in special circumstances for example if you are in serious danger or at risk.
Examples of when wardship might be made
- To protect you from forced marriage.
- To protect you if you are at risk of terrorism or radicalisation.
- To protect you from other people who are placing you at risk.
- To provide you with emergency medical treatment.
- To protect you if you have been taken to another country without permission.
Wardship ends when you turn 18 or if the court ends it before.
Find out how you can access support with this issue by contacting the Coram Voice free Advocacy Helpline for Children and Young People on 0808 800 5792 or visit www.coramvoice.org.uk/alwaysheard
