Adoption Support Fund

Hi everyone ! I thought it was worth reminding everyone about the 'adoption support fund' available to all adoption agencies through which they can access both play and family therapy support. Please get in touch if 'blueskies' can help at all.

What is the Adoption Support Fund?

The Adoption Support Fund (ASF) is a new fund established to help pay for essential therapy services for adoptive families as and when they need it. It has been set up because many families need some kind of support during and following adoption and too many have struggled to get the help they need in the past. The ASF will enable adoptive families to access the services they need more easily in future.

Is there a preferred supplier list and how do I get on it?

A list of potential service providers is available to local authorities through the application portal. This list includes Ofsted registered Adoption Support Agencies (ASAs), Voluntary Adoption Agencies (VAAs) and providers that LAs have added. Which provider to commission is for the Local Authority and adoptive family to choose. The ASF take no responsibility for the quality of provision under the ASF. This remains the responsibility of the LA as the commissioning authority. If you would like to be included on this list, please contact your Local Authority.

To view the commissioning guide, please click here.

Who pays for the service?

Therapeutic services will be commissioned and paid for by the Local Authority. The Local Authority may apply to the ASF and where the criteria are met, the ASF may provide the funds to the Local Authority.

Do I need to be Ofsted Registered?

It is not essential for the provider to be Ofsted registered. The Local Authority must accept responsibility when commissioning services from a non-Ofsted registered provider.