Kinship backs kinship families at parliamentary debate on “devastating” therapy funding cuts

Kinship and kinship carers joined adoptive parents at a parliamentary debate on the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) today and spoke to MPs about their experiences and what needs to change.

Following the debate and the government’s latest response on the issue, Kinship’s Chief Executive, Lucy Peake said:

“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with kinship families left devastated by the government’s decision to suddenly cut funding for vital therapy for their kinship children without any consultation.

“Last year, more than 1 in 8 kinship carers told us they were concerned about whether they could continue caring for their kinship children, most commonly due to difficulties managing their social, emotional and mental health needs. Any loss of therapeutic support could have disastrous consequences for children, families, and the state.

“While we welcome today’s confirmation from the Minister of continued funding for 2026-27 and a public engagement process to help determine future delivery of the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF), the cuts to the level of funding for vulnerable children this and next year remain.

“It’s vital the government listens to kinship families when making decisions about the future of the ASGSF and works with them to design a new system which ensures all kinship families get access to the therapeutic support they desperately need.”

For more information, please visit our guide to the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) for kinship carers.