British actress Anna Maxwell Martin is advocating for the government to reverse recent cuts to a crucial therapy fund for adopted children. The financial support for therapy, which aids both adopted and kinship children, was reduced by 40% per child earlier this year. This decision sparked outrage, leading Maxwell Martin to support a campaign urging a reversal of the cuts before Chancellor Rachel Reeves presents the budget next month.
Expressing her concerns, Maxwell Martin emphasized the negative impact of cutting funding for these children, stating that early investments in their well-being lead to better outcomes in the long run. She highlighted the economic benefits of supporting these children early on, as it ultimately saves money for the government in the future.
In a direct message to Reeves, the actress stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of children and minors, urging for continued support through therapeutic interventions and education. Maxwell Martin also released a video for the campaign, advocating for all children, including adopted and kinship kids, to have access to the necessary support to thrive and reach their full potential.
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), which allocates £50 million for therapy to vulnerable children in England until 2025-2026, saw significant cuts this year. The per child funding dropped from £5,000 to £3,000 annually, a decrease of 40%, while the separate sum for specialist assessments was eliminated. Furthermore, the ASGSF no longer provides matching funds for children with exceptional needs.
A survey conducted by the Action Against ASGSF Changes group revealed that 85% of respondents, including adoptive parents and kinship carers, believed that the new funding limit did not adequately meet their children’s needs. The Mirror previously reported on the impact of these cuts, with personal stories highlighting the transformative effects of therapy funded by the ASGSF.
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson from the Department for Education assured that the government is committed to supporting adopted and kinship families through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Despite the recent cuts, the fund will be sustained until April 2027, with plans for a public engagement process in the upcoming year to ensure effective support for children and families.