When can I be placed under the guardianship of the court?

Unless you are married or living in a de facto marriage, you can be placed under the ‘guardianship of the court’ when you are under 18. When you are under the court’s guardianship, the Judge will appoint someone to help the court make decisions about your upbringing and education and other important issues. But once you are 16 the court cannot make decisions about where you live except in exceptional circumstances. The court will appoint a lawyer to speak for you.
(Ss6, 7 and 30 to 35 Care of Children Act 2004)

When can I make my own decisions about what I do and where I go?

In legal terms when you reach the age of 18 or marry or live in a de facto marriage, your parents’ guardianship rights cease altogether. Under this age your parents may make decisions for you but you should be encouraged to get involved in making decisions about your life and your views should carry more weight as you get older.

(ss2, 16(1) and 16(2), 28 Care of Children Act 2004; the United Kingdom case of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority (1985) 1 AC 112; Article 12 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)