In light of the uncertain future of the Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund, Beacon Family Services pledges to continue offering free and fully funded therapeutic support to adoptive families and kinship families.

Adoptive families across the UK are facing a heart-wrenching wait as the future of vital therapeutic support remains up in the air. These families, caring for children with complex emotional needs, are now left worried about the Government’s long awaited decision. The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund was previously extended by the Department of Education to March 31 2025, but there has been no announcement about its future beyond this date, now weeks away.

Without access to specialist therapy, adoptive families face substantial challenges.

Parenting children who have experienced early trauma requires consistency and often expert therapeutic interventions to help them heal and thrive. Lack of continuity or loss of these services isn’t just inconvenient — it’s devastating. Families risk being pushed to breaking point, leaving parents feeling helpless and isolated as they watch their children struggle.

How we support adoptive families

We will continue to provide therapeutic support to adoptive families

Whatever happens, our resources and funded therapeutic groups will be available to adoptive, foster and kinship families, even if you have no access to further funding and support. Our range of therapeutic services is designed to nurture connection, understanding, and resilience. For those families who have no access to further funding and support at this time our offerings include:

Connect for Kids Theraplay® Groups in the West Midlands:

Creating strong parent-child bonds through playful, interactive sessions that foster security and trust.

Connect for Parents CCVAB Workshops:

These are Reflective Parenting Groups for those experiencing Childhood Challenging, Violent and Aggressive behaviour: Creating a safe space for parents to connect, share experiences, and develop effective strategies for managing family life.

Training for Professionals:

Equipping schools, social workers, and other professionals with the knowledge to support adoptive families effectively.

Upcoming support for adoptive families includes:

• Free access to a Not Fine In School Connect for Parents workshop with clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Fisher in May 2025 – watch this space.
• We will also be inviting adoptive parents to participate in research trials providing free access to our lumin&us® app, which has been created for parents in collaboration with parents and therapists.

We support Adoption UK’s ASGSF campaign

At Beacon Family Services, we recognise the urgent need to ensure continuity of therapeutic support services for adoptive families. We support Adoption UK and colleagues across the sector in calling on the Department of Education to confirm the future of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Fund without delay.

We fully support Adoption UK’s efforts to amplify the voices of adoptive families and raise awareness of the critical role therapeutic support plays in keeping these families together and thriving.

Adoptive families need and deserve funding and recognition.

At Beacon Family Services, we understand that the uncertainty surrounding the Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund may be causing concern for many families. Please know that you are not alone. We remain committed to standing beside you, ensuring that vital support continues.

We will keep working tirelessly to secure the funding and recognition that adoptive and kinship families deserve.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and sharing the voices of those affected, we will push for lasting solutions.

“Our daughter got so much from our time with Beacon Family Services. She loved the sessions and she is noticeably more confident. We have changed the way we are with her and as a family things are much better for us.”

Parent of adoptive child

Further support for parents

If you or someone you know is struggling with family relationships, Beacon Family Services can help. We provide a range of therapies and resources to support parents, children and families including our Connect For Kids Theraplay® group and parent workshops on a variety of topics, as well as access to peer support groups.

For further support, and to see our latest parent events and services, please visit the Families hub.

You can also explore our resources for instant support, including newsletters, online support groups, and much more. You can also read further insights and tips from qualified therapists and professionals on our blog.

We work with organisations, professionals, schools, and charities.

We provide training to use our resources with families and in schools. We partner with professionals, commissioners and organisations to provide in person and online support for families, professional development and training and support and supervision.