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Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

10 February 2026

Proposing MP
Whitehaven and Workington
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Education
TAGS

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the extension of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) until March 2028 with an increased budget, alongside a consultation on future reforms.

Action Requested

The ASGSF will be extended to £55m for 12 months in 2026/27. A consultation titled 'Adoption Support that Works for All' is being launched to reform adoption and kinship support systems, aiming for a more integrated model with early help emphasis.

Key Facts

  • ASGSF will be extended until March 2028.
  • Budget for the fund in 2026/27 will increase by 10% to £55m.
  • A consultation on future reforms of adoption and kinship support is being launched.
  • The Families First Partnership programme over three years provides £2.4 billion funding equally available to adoptive and kinship families.
  • From Summer 2026, a new parent support offer will be introduced for adoptive parents and special guardians whose children are entering secondary school.
  • A three-year pilot by the Department of Health and Social Care aims to enhance mental health support for children in care and their families.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy