Mum's Fury Over Adopted Child Therapy Funding Cuts: "Devastating Blow" for Vulnerable Families
A wave of anger and concern is sweeping through the community of adoptive parents following a significant reduction in funding for vital therapy services for adopted children. While the government has confirmed the renewal of a crucial scheme, the scaled-back financial support for 2025/26 has been branded a "devastating blow" by one mother whose child relies on these services to navigate the complex emotional landscape of adoption. The decision, which lowers the maximum amount each child can receive, threatens to leave many vulnerable youngsters without the specialized support they desperately need to heal from past trauma and build secure futures.
The £1,000 Cut That's Causing Uproar
The controversy centres on the Adoption Support Fund (ASF), a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for a range of therapeutic interventions for adopted children. For the upcoming financial year, the maximum reimbursement per child has been reduced from £2,000 to £1,000. While the scheme itself has been renewed, this substantial cut has sparked widespread outcry, with parents and support organisations arguing it will severely limit access to essential therapies such as play therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and specialist counselling.
Sarah Jenkins, a mother of two adopted children, expressed her profound disappointment and anger. Her eldest son, Leo (name changed), aged eight, has been receiving specialist play therapy for the past two years to help him process his early life experiences. "This is just… I don't even know where to start," Sarah said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We were so relieved when the ASF was renewed, but this cut feels like a slap in the face. For Leo, this therapy isn't a luxury; it's his lifeline. It's helping him understand his feelings, manage his anxieties, and build trust. To suddenly have the funding halved? It's terrifying."
Sarah explained that the £2,000 annual cap previously provided a reasonable level of support, allowing her to access weekly sessions for Leo. With the new £1,000 cap, she fears she will only be able to afford a fraction of the therapy he needs. "Are they expecting parents to just absorb the extra cost? Many of us are already stretched financially. Adoption comes with its own set of challenges, both emotionally and financially. This cut will inevitably mean some children will simply miss out. And that's not just sad; it's a failure of our system to protect these children."
Why is Specialized Therapy So Crucial for Adopted Children?
Adopted children often carry the burden of early trauma, neglect, or loss. These experiences can manifest in a variety of behavioural and emotional challenges, including attachment difficulties, anxiety, aggression, self-harm, and learning difficulties. Specialized therapeutic interventions are designed to address these complex needs, helping children to:
- Develop secure attachments with their adoptive families.
- Process traumatic memories and understand their impact.
- Regulate their emotions and manage challenging behaviours.
- Build self-esteem and resilience.
- Improve their ability to form healthy relationships.
Dr. Emily Carter, a child psychologist specializing in adoption, echoed Sarah's concerns. "The impact of early adversity on a child's developing brain is profound," she explained. "Therapy provides a safe space for them to unpack these experiences and build new neural pathways that support emotional regulation and healthy development. The ASF has been instrumental in making these evidence-based therapies accessible to families who otherwise couldn't afford them. A reduction in funding, even if the scheme continues, will undoubtedly create a postcode lottery for support, with the most vulnerable children in the least affluent areas suffering the most."
Dr. Carter highlighted that the effectiveness of therapy often lies in its consistency and duration. "Short-term, intermittent therapy rarely yields the lasting results needed to address deep-seated trauma. Families need to know they can rely on sustained support. This cut risks undermining the progress that has been made and could lead to a resurgence of challenging behaviours, placing further strain on families and potentially on the wider care system down the line."
Government's Position: "Continued Commitment" Amidst Financial Pressures
A spokesperson for the Department for Education stated that the government remains committed to supporting adopted children and their families. "We are pleased to confirm the renewal of the Adoption Support Fund for 2025/26, which provides essential funding for therapeutic support. We recognise the importance of these services and have listened to feedback from families."
However, when pressed on the reasons for the reduction in the per-child cap, the spokesperson cited "ongoing financial pressures" and the need to "ensure the sustainability of the fund across the wider cohort of eligible children." They added that the £1,000 cap still represents a "significant investment" and that local authorities retain the discretion to provide additional support where deemed necessary.
This explanation has done little to placate critics. "Financial pressures? Is that what they call it when they cut funding for our most vulnerable children?" Sarah retorted. "It feels like a cost-saving measure that will have a far greater human cost. And the idea that local authorities can just 'top it up' is a fallacy. Many local authorities are themselves facing severe budget cuts. This just shifts the burden and creates even more inequality."
The Wider Impact: A System Under Strain
The implications of this funding cut extend beyond individual families. Underfunded therapy services could lead to an increase in behavioral problems, impacting school attendance and attainment. It could also place greater pressure on social services, foster care placements, and even the justice system, as children struggling with unaddressed trauma may be more likely to enter the care system or engage in risky behaviours later in life.
Adoption support charities have voiced their dismay. "This is a deeply disappointing decision that will have real-world consequences for thousands of adopted children and their families," said a spokesperson for the National Association of Adoption and Support Agencies. "We urge the government to reconsider this reduction and to recognise that investing in early intervention and therapeutic support for adopted children is not just a compassionate choice, but a financially prudent one in the long run."
The fight for adequate funding for adopted children's therapy is far from over. As families like Sarah's grapple with the reality of reduced support, the call for a more robust and sustainable funding model for the Adoption Support Fund is growing louder. The question remains: will the government listen before more children are left without the help they need to thrive?
You must be logged in to post a comment.