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. As of April 2025, the amount available per child is £3,000 per year. Special assessments amounting up to £2,500 can also be considered if they fall within the overall limit of £3,000 per child, per year.
The DfE have confirmed the fund is currently running until March 2026 and are expected to make an announcement on it's future beyond that date later this year.