Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Accepted in Part
Make Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund permanent; consult on a support plan.
Conclusion
The Department must end the annual cliff-edge of uncertainty faced by adoptive families and make funding for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund permanent. It should monitor the impact of the reduced funding limits after 12 months of the reduced personal limit and engage with organisations representing adoptive families to assess whether there have been significant negative effects and commit to increasing the limits in the future if so. The Department must also consult on introducing a support plan for adopted children with appropriate duties to ensure that support is provided. (Recommendation, Paragraph 95)
Government Response Summary
The government confirmed the ASGSF will continue until 2026-27, not permanently, and will monitor funding limit impacts but without committing to increasing limits. It noted a new Adoption Support Plan rollout, but not a consultation on a plan with appropriate duties as recommended.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.