Anna Maxwell Martin from the TV show “Motherland” is urging the government to reverse what she deems as “cruel” cuts to a crucial therapy fund for adopted children. Earlier this year, funding for therapy support under the program, which aids adopted and kinship children, was reduced by 40% per individual. This decision sparked outrage, leading the actress to support a campaign calling for a reversal of this move before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget announcement next month.
Expressing her concerns to the Mirror, the Line of Duty star criticized the funding cuts, stating that investing in these children early on yields significantly better outcomes as they grow up. She emphasized the long-term financial benefits of supporting these children, highlighting that cutting the funding now could lead to greater financial challenges in the future and is ultimately an unkind action.
In a direct message to Reeves, Maxwell Martin stressed the importance of adults prioritizing the needs of children and minors in society, particularly in terms of providing therapeutic support and education. She urged for a compassionate and responsible approach to supporting vulnerable children.
The £50 million Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) for 2025-2026 finances therapy for vulnerable children and youth in England. However, recent government changes have reduced individual funding from £5,000 to £3,000 per year, a 40% decrease, and eliminated the £2,500 per child allocation for specialist assessments. The ASGSF no longer matches funds for children with exceptional needs.
A survey conducted by the campaign group, Action Against ASGSF Changes, revealed that 85% of adoptive parents, special guardians, and kinship carers felt that the new £3,000 fair access limit did not meet their child’s needs. The Mirror previously reported on the impact of the ASGSF cuts, with personal accounts illustrating the vital role of therapy funding for adopted children.
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson from the Department for Education acknowledged the importance of the support provided by the ASGSF to families. They mentioned the commitment to extending the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund until April 2027 and highlighted that the decisions made this year aimed to ensure the fund’s financial sustainability for the benefit of more vulnerable children. Plans for a public engagement process in the new year to enhance support effectiveness were also outlined.