Adopters must first speak to the local authority or adoption agency that placed their child, if it's within 3 years of the adoption ordering being granted. After 3 years, the responsibility lies with the local authority or regional adoption agency where the family currently lives. The adoption agency or local authority will first assess the family’s adoption support needs and then apply for funds directly to the ASGSF on their behalf if specialist services and therapies are deemed necessary. The agency will purchase the support from their own list of approved suppliers (such as registered local therapists or support provides etc.) when the ASGSF approves funding.
Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) is provided by the Department for Education (DfE) and makes funding available for regional adoption agencies and local authorities to access therapeutic services for adopted children and young adults. The amount per child per year is £5,000 for therapy, as well as a separate amount of up to £2,500 per child if special assessments are needed. In exceptional cases, where there is an urgent need for higher cost support, local authorities or regional adoption agencies are asked to match-fund applications.