£19m adoption support fund should be available to more children, warns BAAF

The government’s long-awaited Adoption Support Fund does not go far enough to support vulnerable children, the British Association of Adoption and Fostering has warned.

The £19.3m fund, which launched today, should help more children who have experienced similar trauma, the charity argued, including those in special guardianship families.

John Simmonds, head of policy, research and development at the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), welcomed the funding, but said it should be accessible to children living in special guardianship orders and to families who have adopted internationally, because the children “have often experienced similar trauma to those adopted from care”.

Therapeutic services launched

The charity also launched nationwide therapeutic services today, which will deliver play, creative arts, systemic and filial therapies to children in fostering, adoptive or special guardianship care.

Berni Stringer, BAAF therapeutic services manager, said the service will ensure that “children can get the service they need when they need it”.

Over 20 independent, specialist therapists will be directed by BAAF to deliver therapy for children across the country when authorities ask for it.

“What our therapeutic services are offering is the opportunity for children to access the services, but also for that service to support the parents and improve the quality of family life. Ultimately it’s better outcomes for children,” she said.