Adoption UK's chief executive Dr Sue Armstrong Brown welcomes the Government announcement that £8 million of adoption support funding is to be freed up to help vulnerable families across England.

Dr Armstrong Brown said: “I am absolutely thrilled the Government has listened to our grave concerns about the gaps in post adoption support which are appearing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Thousands of adoptive families across the UK are currently struggling with a plethora of issues which are exacerbated by the lockdown so freeing up £8 million will be nothing short of a lifeline to many during this crisis. The measures set out in this package of support acknowledge the enormity of the problems facing those parenting some of the nation’s most vulnerable children.”

The announcement comes after Adoption UK provided feedback to the Department for Education about the issues experienced by adoptive families up and down the country.

Dr Armstrong Brown continued: “In January, ministers pledged that adoption would be a priority for the Government so I’m pleased to see them honour this commitment.

“While many families are experiencing issues with isolation, a disruption to routine, challenging behaviour from children and a lack of support, these issues are all magnified tenfold for many adoptive families whose children struggle with difficulties relating to their challenging start in life.

“We know the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) has been a lifeline to many and we know the measures set out in this announcement will be invaluable to countless adoptive families. A third of adopters told us the support they accessed via the ASF has helped them to avoid a potential disruption or adoption breakdown.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see peer support services included in this package as the right post adoption support is the difference between thriving adoptive families and those that struggle. We know peer support can help adopters address problems before they escalate and build strong and successful families. Adopters who receive timely support are much less likely to reach crisis point and require urgent help, or in the worst cases, face the breakdown of their families.”