William Eichler 16 April 2025

Charity criticises 40% adoption funding cut

Charity criticises 40% adoption funding cut  image
© PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com.

Adoption experts have criticized the Government’s decision to cut funding for therapy for adopted children in England.

The Government announced this week a 40% cut in the amount that will be available per child from the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).

Before the cut an eligible child could access £5,000 for therapy. However, this has now been limited to £3,000.

Adoption UK CEO Emily Frith criticised the decision, branding it as ‘very short sighted’.

‘We understand that this isn’t just about the Fund – it’s a consequence of belt tightening across government,’ she said.

‘But it’s very short sighted at a time when there are more adoptive families in crisis than ever before, and distressing news for everyone who has already faced an agonising wait to find out whether the fund will continue to exist at all.’

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'We are investing £50m for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund to continue for another year.

'The decisions we have taken will ensure the fund is financially sustainable to allow more vulnerable children to access targeted support and thrive in adoptive and kinship families.'

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