Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund To Continue to 2026-2027

Legally reviewed by: Ravi Kaur Mahey Apr 2026 In: Child Care

Government Announcement

On the 4th September 2025, the Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby MP, confirmed that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) will continue into the 2026–2027 financial year. This means that families and local authorities can now make applications for therapeutic support running into the next year. The extending of this support fund offers reassurance to thousands of families who rely on the fund.

In a recent statement, the Minister highlights the government’s ongoing commitment:

“The ASGSF 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.”

She also confirmed that in the new year, the Department for Education will launch a public engagement process to review the fund’s delivery and effectiveness, as well as explore future reforms.

What is the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund?

The ASGSF was established to provide specialist therapeutic support for adopted children, many of whom have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect before being placed with their families. It has since been extended to include kinship care arrangements, recognising the similar challenges faced by children raised by relatives or family friends.

Each year, around 3,000 children are adopted in England, often after long periods in care. The need for therapeutic intervention is significant, meaning that the ASGSF has become a vital lifeline. According to Adoption UK, 85% of families who accessed support through the fund reported a positive impact on family life.

Sector Responses

While the continuation has been welcomed, leading organisations have raised concerns about recent funding cuts and the uncertainty over the fund’s long-term future.

Adoption UK has praised the extension but called for a two-year moratorium on reforms. They warn that families lack the confidence that reforms will prioritise their children’s best interests.

Additionally, Coram welcomed the announcement as reassurance for families but highlighted that significant funding reductions this year have already impacted practice and limited support. They stressed the importance of the upcoming consultation being evidence-based and family-focused.

Finally, Kinship warned that cuts remain a major issue. They stress that 1 in 8 kinship carers are already concerned about whether they could continue caring for their children due to reduced therapeutic support. They urged the government to work directly with kinship families to design a system that meets their needs.

Cross-Party Support and Calls for Permanence

There is growing recognition across Parliament of the importance of permanent, properly resourced support for adopted and kinship children. A recent Education Select Committee report found “too little recognition of the impact of early trauma and separation experienced by adopted children, and of the support they need to thrive in education and beyond.”

In debates, MPs from all parties emphasised the need for a long-term solution rather than year-by-year extensions that leave families in a state of uncertainty.

What Happens Next

The continuation of the ASGSF into 2026–2027 is a positive step for adoptive and kinship families. However, questions still remain about the fund’s long-term sustainability. The government has promised a public consultation in 2026 to help shape its future, and campaigners will be watching closely to ensure children’s voices remain central to reform.

At Cartwright King, our child law solicitors are here to support families navigating adoption and special guardianship processes, including guidance on accessing therapeutic support through the ASGSF.