Changes to Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Funding

Legally reviewed by: Ravi Kaur Mahey Apr 2025 In: Child Care

Concerns Across Adoption and Special Guardianship Sectors

On 1st April 2025, the Government confirmed the continuation of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) at £50 million for 2025 to 2026. While this was initially welcomed, further changes that were shortly announced have caused concern across the adoption and special guardianship sectors. These changes could have a major impact on the families Cartwright King supports through our Child Care and Family Law services.

What Changes Are Affecting Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Funding?

The Government’s new ASGSF changes introduce:

Reduced Fair Access Limit (FAL): The funding cap per child has dropped from £5,000 to £3,000.
Specialist Assessments Included in FAL: Families must now fund specialist assessments within the £3,000 limit, with a £2,500 cap on individual assessments.
End of Match Funding: Families can no longer apply for match funding for therapy or assessments exceeding the caps.
Completion Deadline: Families must complete all therapy and assessments by March 2026.

These changes mean that many families may find it harder to access the therapeutic services to help their children heal from early trauma.

Sector Concerns

Leading organisations, including Adoption UK, Kinship, Coram BAAF, and the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA), have warned that the government’s 40% reduction in available per-child funding risks destabilising placements. In a joint letter to the Secretary of State, they expressed concern that families already coping with trauma, loss, and disruption may be left without the essential resources they need. This could lead to a rise in placement breakdowns and place increasing pressure on already overstretched local authority and public services. These concerns highlight the urgent need for legal advice and advocacy to ensure families are accessing all available support and entitlements.

The full letter is available here.

How Changes to Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Funding May Affect Families

Families raising children through Special Guardianship Orders or adoption may face reduced access to essential therapies, and delays to ongoing therapeutic work. In addition, families may face greater financial strain if required services exceed the new funding cap. Together, these issues increase the risk of placement breakdown without adequate support.

Practical Advice for Families Regarding Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Funding

To make the most of the ASGSF within the new limits:

Submit applications early to meet the March 2026 completion deadline.
Provide strong supporting evidence, such as professional assessments and therapeutic recommendations.
Seek early legal advice to explore all available routes and safeguard your family’s support.

How Cartwright King Can Help

Cartwright King’s Family and Child Care Law teams are here to support families impacted by these changes. Our solicitors can advise you on how to make strong ASGSF applications, ensuring that your documentation and supporting evidence meet the necessary requirements. If the local authority refuses or limits support, we can help you understand your options and pursue an appeal where needed.

Furthermore, if you need additional or ongoing therapeutic support, we can negotiate with your local authority to explore options for supplementary assistance. If funding issues or a lack of support put the stability of a placement at risk, we will step in to represent you and help protect the welfare of the child in your care.

Our team also provides broader guidance on child welfare and care-related legal matters, helping families understand their rights and responsibilities throughout every stage of the guardianship or adoption process.

If you’re unsure about your options or need help navigating these changes, contact Cartwright King’s Child Care team today for expert guidance and representation.