Government launches new scheme to ‘dramatically’ improve post-adoption support

New Adoption Support Fund will be piloted in 10 local authority areas from today before being rolled out nationally.

The government has announced the formal launch of its new support fund for adopted children and their families.

From today, the Adoption Support Fund – intended to give families better access to vital support services, including therapy – will be piloted by 10 councils across England with £2m government funding. A further £19.3m will be provided to roll out the fund nationally.

Children’s minister Edward Timpson said this would “dramatically improve post-adoption support to families across the country”.

Authorities piloting the scheme include Manchester, Newcastle, Solihull, Hampshire, East Sussex and Cornwall.

“We want all adoptive families to know help is there for them and their new child every step of the way. The Adoption Support Fund will help ensure the families in most need are able to access crucial services when they need them,” Timpson said.

The move follows years of campaigning by charities, peers and adoptive families who warned many adoptions were at risk of breaking down due to a postcode lottery in adoption support services, such as family therapy and child mental health services.