Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

Thursday 4th September 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)]

Many children who have been adopted or are in kinship care have faced difficulties in their early life which mean they cannot live with their birth parents. These experiences place them at greater risk of serious mental health challenges compared to their peers. I am clear that the Government have a responsibility to those children and I am determined that we meet it.

To support these vulnerable children and their families, the adoption and special guardianship support fund provides funding to local authorities and regional adoption agencies for therapeutic services. This funding has so far helped over 54,000 children access the support they need, strengthened family relationships, and helped to prevent family breakdown.

Family security is a key priority for this Government in their mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Therefore, I am pleased to confirm that applications to the ASGSF that run into the next financial year (2026-27) can now be made, as part of a further continuation of the scheme next financial year, of which full details will be set out shortly.

I hope today’s announcement offers families the clarity and reassurance they need to plan for their children’s ongoing support. I also trust it provides sector representatives with some reassurance to enable them to continue delivering services.

After a decade of support, we are also looking to review the delivery of the ASGSF to ensure we continue in the most effective and sustainable way. The need for support is clear, which is why we are determined to ensure that effective services are reaching children and families as efficiently as possible. Looking ahead, in the new year, the Department for Education will launch a public engagement process to better understand how well the fund is working, what the evidence tells us or what further evidence is required, and importantly what is working well for families and why.

My officials and I look forward to working collaboratively with children, families, and sector representatives placing the needs and voices of children at the heart of everything we do.

[HCWS908]