As a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist, I am writing to express serious concern about the government’s handling of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) this financial year. The ASGSF has long been a vital resource for adoptive families, enabling access to specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced early trauma, loss and disruption. I have worked with many such families under this scheme and seen the positive, often life-changing impact it can have.
This year, however, the situation has been chaotic and distressing. The decision on ASGSF funding was left until very late in the financial planning cycle, leaving families and professionals in limbo. When the decision finally came, the funding had been cut by 40% – a severe blow.
