Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Adoption: Children in Foster Care

Monday 16 June 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Josh Newbury expressed concern about the time taken for the adoption of children in foster care and the need for early permanence placements.
  • Rebecca Smith asked about the impact of perceived cuts to the adoption and special guardianship support fund on families in her constituency.
  • The Minister stated that the adoption and special guardianship support fund has not been cut, but resources are being managed due to increasing demand.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Children & Families
Context

The question stems from the need to provide stability and early permanence placements for children in foster care. The MP, as an adoptive parent and foster carer, advocates for the transformative impact of such practices.

Question

I am concerned about the time taken for the adoption of children in foster care. Where adoption is the right option, it needs to happen without delay, and early permanence placements are crucial for offering stability. Would the Minister be willing to meet me and adoption charities to discuss how we can maximise the benefits of early permanence?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important topic; he is a champion for children in Cannock Chase. I agree that we should continue to promote early permanence. Adoption England has published national standards to promote and shape early permanence practice across the country. I regularly meet the organisations my hon. Friend has mentioned, but I am more than happy to meet him too.

Answered
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Q2 Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon
Children & Families
Context

Concern from adoptive parents about the impact of recent funding cuts on their ability to access necessary support. The MP is raising these concerns following last week’s spending review.

Question

Adoptive parents in my constituency are concerned about the impact of Labour's recent cuts to the adoption and special guardianship support fund. Following last week’s spending review, what hope can be offered to families who need additional support?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)

I thank the hon. Lady for her question and for the concern she has expressed. The adoption and special guardianship support fund has not been cut. Demand is ever increasing, and we have chosen an approach to manage tight resources in the face of increasing demand for support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly address the specific concern about cuts but provided context on resource management.

How: Under Review

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