Adoptive parents say they are terrified that their children will be “betrayed” by the government and left without the therapy they rely on.
Over the last decade, thousands of families have got help through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). Local authorities and adoption agencies could apply for £5,000 per year per child for therapy and £2,500 per year for specialist assessments.
But ministers are yet to commit to continuing the fund beyond March 2025.
The Department for Education said only that it would set out more details about its plans “as soon as possible”.
Families fear this could lead to backlogs in applications for treatment and damaging gaps in the care of some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Adoptive parent Rachel Cushing said: “A lot of adoptive families would be in crisis. There would be the danger of adoptions collapsing and children having to go back into the care system.
“There would be children not accessing school, not accessing the therapy and treatment that they need. I think that would lead to these children falling through the gaps and not being able to lead the proper lives they should.”
With many experiencing traumatic starts in life, adopted children can often struggle with emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties.
-
The fund also provides support for Kinship carers, the family or friends who decide to raise a child if the birth families are unable to. Rosie Dowsing spoke to one such carer and the impact the loss of the fund could have on her and families like hers.
Providers like Sensi, in Norfolk, offer a range of therapy to deal with trauma and attachment issues – and to help young people build relationships.
But more than three-quarters of their work is currently covered by the fund and so they are worried about their future.
Director Annie Crofton said: “I think the system does need to be reviewed but there needs to be some clarity as to what is going to happen beyond March 31.
“Currently, 80% of the children here are looking at imminent discharge.”
Adoptive parents said Sensi – and therapy secured through the fund – had “saved their families”.
Charlotte Richardson said: “It kept our family together. We were at crisis point. Our son was really struggling. We didn’t know where it was coming from or how to cope with it and Sensi have provided him with a safe space.”
Jenny Lutchman, who adopted her son Marcus 12 years ago, said they would have to “juggle things as a family” in order to pay privately for therapy if the support fund ceased.
“It is essential,” she said. “If this dropped off it would be absolutely devastating for him.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Children in care deserve the best life chances and adoption enables more children to grow up in safe, loving homes.
“Through our Plan for Change, we’re committed to ensuring all children are able to achieve and thrive, which is why adoptive families will be at the heart of our plans to re-balance the system to provide earlier support and greater stability for children.
“We will set out more details on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund as soon as possible.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know
