We鈥檝e issued a stark warning to the government over its recent decision to cut funding to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), as this will have a critical and long-lasting impact on thousands of vulnerable children and families across England and Wales.

Deep concern

In a letter addressed to the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Janet Daby MP, we鈥檝e expressed our deep concern over the Department for Education鈥檚 announcement to reduce support funding by as much as 40% per child.

The ASGSF provides vital therapeutic support to children who have been adopted or placed under special guardianship arrangements. Our members who deliver this support are OFSTED-registered and trained to address complex issues such as developmental trauma, dissociation, abuse, and attachment difficulties.

Critical and long-lasting impact

Commenting on the decision to cut the ASGSF funding, our Children Young People and Families Lead, Jo Holmes, said:

"Children who have been in care or adopted are among the most vulnerable in society. Reducing their access to sustained, expert-led therapy risks compounding cycles of trauma and abandonment.听

"These cuts will severely undermine the work of therapists who specialise in working with adopted children or those under special guardianship arrangements. They will have a negative impact on these young people's recovery from trauma and neglect."

Crucial mental health support

Adoption specialist, consultant child psychotherapist and registered member , added:

鈥淭hese cuts will mean that many therapists committed to working with adoptive families will have to reduce or halt treatment and key services. This leaves families without the crucial mental health support which has been a lifeline to them. We are strongly urging the government to reverse this decision and to recognise the valued role adopters fulfil for society and the importance of universal, sustained support for all adopted children and their families.

鈥淭hese individuals听are not just numbers on a balance sheet, they are children whose future stability and wellbeing is dependent on being able to access the right support at the right time. Without this support, there is likely to be a greater cost affecting听statutory services and families in the longer term.鈥�

Support our campaign

We鈥檝e issued our letter in collaboration with our Children and Young People鈥檚 Divisional Executive Committee. We welcome all those who feel passionate about reversing the decision to cut ASGSF funding to contact their MP directly.

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