New report & plans for Adoption Support Fund published

2 August 2017

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a comprehensive report on the Adoption Support Fund  (ASF) and the ways in which it is being accessed by adoptive families.  The study reveals that a total of £52 million has been released through the Fund since it was launched in May 2015 and that 18,000 families have accessed therapy or training as a result.

To coincide with the report, Minister for Children and Families, Robert Goodwill has confirmed plans for three “Centres of Excellence” for adoption support. Funded through the Practice and Improvement Fund and managed by new Regional Adoption Agencies, the centres will be based in Hertfordshire, Stockport and North East Lincolnshire.

Robert Goodwill, Minister for Children and Families, said:

“Every parent wants their child to grow up feeling loved and understood, and anyone with the commitment and compassion to adopt a child should have the backing of a strong support network. We know that caring for these young people, particularly those with more complex needs, can be a struggle at times.

“With the right therapeutic support, children and families will be able to embrace the new life ahead of them, and I’m delighted that the adoption support fund has supported so many thousands of people already, as part of our plan for a fairer society.”

The Adoption Support Fund allows Local Councils to pay for care on behalf of adopted children and their families. This may include : cognitive therapy, play and music therapy and parenting skills training.

 

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