CoramBAAF responds to Government announcement on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)
Today, the Government confirmed in a written ministerial statement that applications to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) can be made for therapy which continues into the next financial year (2026 - 2027). This announcement brings welcome reassurance to many families who have faced uncertainty about accessing therapeutic support in the coming year, something CoramBAAF and others have called for. The ministerial statement came ahead of a Westminster Hall debate this afternoon (Thursday, 4 September).
We also welcome the Government’s commitment to launch a public engagement process in the new year to better understand how well the fund is working, what the evidence shows or still needs to be gathered and what is working well for families and why. Further details on the continuation of the scheme are expected shortly.
While this announcement is positive, the long-term future of the ASGSF remains unclear, particularly in terms of its delivery and funding. Significant reductions in funding this year have already impacted practice and, consequently, the support available to children and families. This has had direct impacts on extremely vulnerable children and young people and their families. At the Westminster Hall debate, MPs gave powerful testimonies on behalf of their constituents, both adopters and kinship families, highlighting the importance of the ASGSF.
CoramBAAF will continue to work with partner organisations, adoptive and kinship families to highlight the vital role the ASGSF plays in supporting some of the most vulnerable children who have experienced trauma and loss. We will keep our members informed through our ongoing work.
If you are concerned about the future of the ASGSF or want to learn more, here are links to other organisations and campaigns:
James Bury, Head of Policy, Research, and Development, CoramBAAF.