Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Acknowledged
Uncertainty surrounds Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund continuation and reduced funding limits.
Conclusion
It is unacceptable that the continuation of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund was not announced until 1 April 2025, leaving families and children uncertain about the future of their support. We also note many concerns about the new funding limits and the impact this will have on children and families. We are concerned that this is an example of the Government making a consequential change in one part of the system without introducing the reforms and mitigations in other parts of the system that are urgently needed. In this case, there is an urgent need to make mental health support available for adopted children, which could reduce pressure on the ASGSF, but the Government has not laid out how this will be achieved, leaving adoptive families very anxious that they will find it harder to access support. (Conclusion, Paragraph 94) 88
Government Response Summary
The government confirmed the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) will continue for 2026-27 and will monitor the impact of recent funding limit changes. It highlighted existing investments and the rollout of an Adoption Support Plan, but provided no specific new plan for mental health support as requested.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Supporting adopted children to thrive is a key government priority. We remain committed to providing high-quality adoption support from the point of placement and throughout childhood. The £50 million Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) continues to offer vital services, and we will monitor the impact of recent changes to funding limits, engaging with stakeholders to discuss options for the future. We have now confirmed that the ASGSF will continue for 2026–27 (see ASGSF Written Statement–4 September 2025) and will provide further details later this autumn. While future funding decisions are subject to the Department’s business planning processes, we recognise the importance of stability and transparency for families. In addition to the ASGSF, we have invested £8.8 million in Adoption England to strengthen local support, including the rollout of a new Adoption Support Plan and early support framework. These measures aim to ensure families receive tailored, timely support based on assessed needs.