Today, the government launched its consultation which will help set out its new vision for adoption and kinship support, including the operation of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).

Under the name 'Adoption support that works for all', the consultation sets out a number of possible proposals for reform which, if taken forward, could begin implementation as early as this year with full reform by 2028. Anyone with an interest in the adoption and kinship support offer is invited to respond to the consultation.

To provide families with some certainty now, the government has also confirmed continuation of the ASGSF for two more year until March 2028, with increased funding in the new financial year. 

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England, said:

"We welcome this announcement as an important step towards a more preventative, consistent, and evidence‑informed system of support. The extension of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), alongside new investment in transition support and a sector‑wide consultation, will help ensure families and children receive support earlier, before difficulties escalate. 

"While the ASGSF remains a crucial lifeline for many adoptive families, it is encouraging that the government’s consultation looks beyond the Fund alone. By focusing on developing a universal baseline offer and improving the way social care, health, and education work together, this consultation creates an opportunity to build the proactive and responsive support that families consistently tell us they need.

"We look forward to working with the government and partners to build a coherent national model of adoption support  that strengthens stability and improves outcomes for children."

 Adoption England funding

The government has also today confirmed further Adoption England funding up to March 2028. We're committed to our ongoing work with regional and voluntary adoption agency colleagues, the wider sector, and people with lived experience, to continue to improve outcomes for adopted people and their families.