Adoption support funding confirmed as government reviews wider reform options

Government has confirmed continued funding for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund for the next year, providing short-term reassurance for adoptive families and professionals supporting permanence arrangements.

The fund has played a key role in helping children access therapeutic services and specialist interventions following adoption or special guardianship, particularly where early trauma, attachment difficulties, or complex emotional needs are present.

Alongside the funding announcement, a wider consultation on adoption policy and support arrangements has been launched, signalling potential longer-term changes to how post-adoption services are delivered and commissioned.

Across the sector, there remains ongoing concern about the availability and consistency of therapeutic support for adopted children and their families. Practitioners and family networks continue to highlight the importance of:

• timely access to trauma-informed therapeutic services
• support that continues beyond the early placement period
• practical assistance for adoptive parents managing complex needs
• stronger integration between adoption support, mental health services and local children’s provision

Sustained access to specialist support is widely seen as critical to maintaining placement stability and improving long-term outcomes for children who have experienced early adversity.

For professionals working across Early Help, Family Hubs, social care, education and therapeutic services, the consultation period may provide an opportunity to influence how adoption support systems evolve in the future.

Further updates will be shared as proposals develop.