A Guide to the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund

October 20, 2025

A Guide to the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund

Becoming a Special Guardian is a profound commitment that offers a child stability and care when they need it most. While rewarding, this journey can come with unique challenges, especially for children who have experienced trauma or instability. Recognising this, the government established the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) to provide vital therapeutic support for families.

This guide will walk you through the ASGSF, explaining what it is, who is eligible, and how to access it. Understanding the financial and therapeutic support available can make a significant difference, ensuring you have the resources to provide the best possible care for the child in your life. At Tayntons Solicitors, we specialise in Child Law in Gloucester. We are here to help you navigate this process with clarity and confidence.

What is a Special Guardianship Order (SGO)?

A Special Guardianship Order, or SGO, is a legal order granted by a court that appoints one or more individuals to be a child’s ‘Special Guardian’. It is a long-term arrangement that gives the Special Guardian parental responsibility for the child until they turn 18.

SGOs are often considered when a child cannot live with their birth parents. This arrangement provides the child with a permanent, stable home, often with a relative or family friend, without legally severing ties with their birth family in the way that an adoption order does. For prospective carers, an SGO offers the legal authority to make key decisions about the child’s upbringing, from education to healthcare.

Understanding the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF)

The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) is a government fund designed to help families access therapeutic services. It provides funding directly to local authorities to pay for essential support for children who are, or were previously, in care.

The primary purpose of the fund is to support children and families to overcome challenges related to the child’s past experiences. By providing access to therapies like counselling, play therapy, and specialist assessments, the ASGSF aims to strengthen family relationships and improve the child’s long-term well-being. For SGO carers, this fund is a critical resource that can help you meet the unique emotional and psychological needs of the child you are caring for.

Am I Eligible for the ASGSF?

To be eligible for funding from the ASGSF, the child must have been in the care of a local authority in England or Wales and have now left care under one of the following orders:

• An Adoption Order
• A Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
• A Child Arrangements Order (CAO)

Eligibility extends to children up to the age of 21, or 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. The fund is available for children living in England, as well as for those living elsewhere in the UK if they were adopted from an English local authority.

The first step for any family is to have a support needs assessment carried out by their local authority. This assessment will identify the child’s needs and determine if therapeutic support is required.

What Can the Adoption Support Fund Be Used For?

The ASGSF is specifically for therapeutic support. It is not intended to cover financial support like the special guardianship allowance, which is a separate payment to help with the day-to-day costs of caring for a child.

So, what can the adoption support fund be used for? The types of services covered are extensive and tailored to the needs identified in the family’s assessment. These can include:

• Therapeutic parenting courses: To help carers develop skills to support a child who has experienced trauma.
• Creative therapies include art, music, or drama therapy.
• Play therapy: To help younger children express their feelings.
• Specialist assessments are conducted to understand the child’s needs better.
• Counselling and psychotherapy: For the child or family members.

Essentially, the fund is for services that help the child heal, develop, and form strong, lasting attachments within their new family.

Recent Changes to the ASGSF

In April 2025, the Department for Education announced significant changes to the ASGSF. While the overall budget for 2025/26 remains around £50 million, the individual funding limits have been reduced.

Previously, there was a fair access limit of £5,000 per child for therapy and a separate £2,500 for specialist assessments. The key changes are:

• The fair access limit for treatment is now £3,000 per child, per year.
• The separate allowance for specialist assessments has been removed and is now included within the £3,000 limit.
• The option for local authorities to ‘match-fund’ more expensive support packages has been discontinued for the time being.

The government has stated these changes were necessary to ensure the fund remains financially sustainable and can support the maximum number of children possible amidst growing demand. However, these adjustments have raised concerns among children’s charities and families about whether the reduced amount will be sufficient to cover the cost of necessary therapies.

How to Apply for the ASGSF

Your local authority manages the application process for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. You cannot apply directly to the fund yourself.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:

1. Request an Assessment: The first step is to contact your local authority’s adoption and special guardianship support team to request an assessment of your family’s support needs.
2. Complete the Assessment: A social worker will work with you to assess the child’s needs and determine what kind of therapeutic support would be beneficial.
3. Local Authority Application: If therapeutic services are deemed necessary, the local authority will apply to the ASGSF on your behalf to secure the funding. This must be done within four months of the assessment.
4. Funding Approval: Once the application is approved, the local authority receives the funds and arranges for the agreed-upon services to be provided.

Ensuring the Well-being of Children Under SGOs

The ultimate goal of a Special Guardianship Order and the support funds available is to ensure the long-term well-being of the child. For SGO carers, this means creating a supportive and secure environment conducive to a child’s flourishing.

Accessing therapeutic support can be a vital part of this process. It provides you with the tools and strategies to help a child navigate their past and build a secure future. While the legal process and funding applications can seem complex, remember that support is available to guide you.

Your Next Steps with Tayntons Solicitors

Navigating the legal landscape of Special Guardianship Orders and accessing the proper support can be challenging. Whether you are considering applying for an SGO, need advice on a support needs assessment, or want to understand your rights as a carer, expert legal guidance is invaluable.

At Tayntons Solicitors, our dedicated Child Law team in Gloucester is here to provide the compassionate and professional support you need. Rated ‘Excellent’ on ReviewSolicitors.

ReviewSolicitors Testimonial

“We had Gemma Candlish, absolutely fantastic, her help has again stopped my child being taken. very professional absolute credit to Taynton’s”

Flexible Support with Fixed-Fee Consultations

Suppose you’re seeking initial advice or simply unsure where to begin. In that case, we offer an initial consultation of up to 45 minutes for a fixed fee of £75 + VAT. This ensures you receive expert guidance without hidden costs, helping you make an informed decision about the next steps. Contact our team today to bring clarity and confidence to your case.