What isn't included Local Authorities should already be providing the following under their adoption support services: Information, advice, guidance and signposting Counselling Opportunities for adoptive parents to interact (e.g. support groups, family days) Mediation of contact with birth families Mediation services when an adoptive family is at risk of disruption Financial support Basic Life story work Short break care where no therapeutic input is provided The ASF will also not pay for: Support for physical medical conditions Speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other universal health services. Education support Membership of clubs and organisations Legal support Support provided by private sector and third sector organisations that are not Ofsted regulated unless commissioned through Local Authorities Training of staff Support not delivered in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Animal, pet or equine therapy Ex- Local authority (associate) social workers See Adoption Support Fund - First4Adoption for further information Manage Cookie Preferences