Adoption funding scheme launched by government

More than £2 million in additional funding for families who have adopted children has been made available by the government.

Ten councils across England have been chosen to pilot the ‘Adoption Support Fund’, originally launched last September. This is designed to help adoptive families access support services and therapy. More than £19 million will be made available when the scheme is rolled out nationally.

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According to the Department for Education, the fund will help to ensure that adopted children “can benefit fully from being part of a family, develop a rich social life, a good education and a bright future.”

Music, play and other therapies have been found to help adoptive children who have experienced neglect and abuse. Many such children from difficult backgrounds have mental health problems, eating disorders and other behavioural issues. Therapy can help them to address these difficulties and bond with their new families, the government believes.

Children and families minister Edward Timpson said the new funding would “dramatically” improve the support available to adoptive families.

“We want all adoptive families to know help is there for them and their new child every step of the way.”

The ten authorities chosen to pilot the fund are Newcastle, North Yorkshire, Manchester, Leicester City, Solihull, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, East Sussex, Hampshire and Lewisham.