Adoption UK welcomes full review of adoption support and consultation launched, but Government plans to devolve funding for therapeutic support are cause for concern

THE Department for Education (DfE) has published its outline proposals for reforming the adoption support system in England, alongside a consultation open to adoptees, those in kinship care, families and professionals that will run for 12 weeks.

The Government has also confirmed the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) will be extended to:- 2028, with funding of:- �55M allocated for the financial year:- 2026 to 2027. This represents a 10% increase on last year, which is higher than the rate of inflation. However, there is no commitment to reverse the significant cuts made in April 2025. This will be deeply concerning for many families who have already seen a devastating impact of cuts and delays to therapeutic support since then.

The announcement comes after Adoption UK's Barometer report last year showed 44% of adoptive families in England reported facing crisis and the charity called for Government to launch a review of adoption support. Adoption UK therefore welcomes this vital opportunity for adoptees, those in kinship care, their families and professionals to feed into future Government plans.

Adoption UK also welcomes several of the proposals set out in the consultation, which come as a direct result of campaigning alongside adoptees, families and partner organisations.

Despite some encouraging signs that Government is listening, we are concerned by some of the language in the document that appears to minimise the significant and lifelong impact of adoption related trauma and care experience and that the need for support is common.

Many across the adoption sector will have significant concerns regarding proposals related to the future of therapeutic support via the ASGSF. Faced with a need to make savings and prevent costs rising due to increased demand, the Government proposes devolving the ASGSF to either Regional adoption agencies (RAAs) or to local authorities. However, there is little accompanying evidence to demonstrate how either option will improve the support adoptees and their families receive.

Emily Frith, CEO of Adoption UK said:- "We welcome confirmation of funding for the ASGSF for the next 2 years. We are also pleased that the Government has listened to our calls for a proper consultation on a full review of adoption support. Nevertheless, we are deeply disappointed that the cuts made to the fund last year have not been reversed, and that that the only proposals put forward for the future of the ASGSF are to devolve funding rather than retain a central ringfenced fund. The postcode lottery in adoption support is already a serious concern, and devolving the ASGSF would create more inconsistency and reduce accountability. It is essential that ASGSF funding is ringfenced so that it doesn't get swallowed up by other demands on local authority budgets. Any review of adoption support must ensure that a new system meets the support of adoptees of all ages as our research shows too many families are in crisis. We will be consulting widely with our community to now ensure that Government hears directly from them about what is working and what is needed, so that this review leads to a more robust and consistent system of support and improved outcomes for adopted people."

Adoption UK welcomes proposals to strengthen peer and community support for adopted children, particularly considering recent evidence gathered through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Adoption and Permanence. The group's inquiry,:- 'Adoptee Voices,' found many young adoptees felt isolated and called for access to dedicated peer support groups where they can interact with other adoptees. The charity would like to see the proposals on peer support go further and extend to adult adoptees, who are worryingly absent from this consultation.

Proposals to improve support planning and support with key transitions are long overdue and very welcome. The plans largely reflect Adoption UK's recommendations in the Adoption Barometer (2025), which calls for robust adoption support plans that are regularly reviewed, particularly at moments of major change, such as the move between:- primary and secondary School and the transition to adulthood.

Huge Demand For Applications From Charity Fund

THE Jane Tomlinson Appeal has been overwhelmed to the response for its new grant programme:- 'The Big Charity Giveaway 2026.' The appeal was launched last month, inviting applications from:- Liverpool City Region, Yorkshire, and The Midlands to apply for funds from the overall total of:- �250,000. The response has been incredible, with applications totalling more than:- �4million. The charity is now asking applicants for patience as trustees carefully review each submission. Grant applications from across Liverpool City Region reached almost:- �750,000.

The appeal was launched early January, announcing the:- '�250,000 Big Charity Giveaway 2026' is a significant funding initiative designed to support charities and organisations across Liverpool City Region, Yorkshire, and The Midlands. Those eligible were invited to apply for grants ranging from a few hundred pounds up to:- �15,000 maximum, to help strengthen their work and support their communities. With applications now closed, interest has far exceeded expectations, reaching:- �4 million in requests.

The appeal has received applications from charities working across a wide range of causes, including:- poverty alleviation, elderly care, cancer services, youth projects, and disability support.

The volume of requests reflects both the vital work happening within communities and the significant pressures many organisations face. The appeal is grateful for the time and care applicants put into their submissions and remains committed to considering each1thoroughly.

Due to the volume of applications, the trustees have confirmed that the decision-making process will take longer than initially anticipated. It is hoped that successful applicants will be notified in March.

This significant grant round continues the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE; the inspirational athlete and fundraiser whose determination and generosity helped transform lives across the UK and beyond.

Over the years, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal has supported numerous charities and community projects focused on:- cancer care, bereavement services, mental health, and initiatives which enhance the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Mike Tomlinson, Jane's husband and Trustee of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, explained:- "The Big Charity Giveaway 2026 is all about continuing Jane's legacy of helping others, giving charities across our Regions the chance to grow, reach more people, and change even more lives. We've been overwhelmed by the response, with �4million worth of applications submitted. It's a testament to the incredible work happening across Regions, and to Jane's legacy; but it also highlights just how stretched many organisations are as they work to keep vital services running. Given the volume of applications, the trustees will need more time than expected to make our decisions. We want to ensure every submission receives the same care and consideration that applicants invested in preparing them. We look forward to announcing the successful recipients in due course and celebrating the positive impact these grants will help deliver."

Did you know thatThe Jane Tomlinson Appeal is the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, and exists to support the health and wellbeing of children, as well as to improve the lives of people living with cancer? The Big Charity Giveaway was open to registered charities operating within Liverpool City Region, Yorkshire, and The Midlands. Successful applicants will receive funding to help strengthen the work they do in their communities. Applications opened on:- 8 January 2026 and closed on:- 5 February 2026. Applications were particularly welcomed from charities supporting children or people affected by cancer, though all eligible organisations were invited to apply. Each organisation was limited to1application, with grants available up to a maximum of:- �15,000 and no minimum amount. Due to the high volume of applications, the trustees will take longer than originally anticipated to make their decisions. The aim is to award grants in March. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified directly.

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Adoption UK welcomes full review of adoption support and consultation launched, but Government plans to devolve funding for therapeutic support are cause for concern

Huge Demand For Applications From Charity Fund