Adoption UK is to receive Government emergency funding to provide ongoing vital support for adoptive families during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The pandemic is placing increasing pressure on families with vulnerable children, so the funding will enable Adoption UK to provide urgently needed online resources, support and advice, as well as connecting parents who are isolated during the current crisis.

Half of the parents surveyed in Adoption UK’s recently published Home learning during Covid-19 lockdown report said their child is experiencing emotional distress and anxiety, while around a third said they are experiencing an increase in violence, or aggression, from their child. So it is no surprise the charity’s helpline has seen a significant spike in calls during lockdown.

With the loss of their local and professional support services adopters are looking online for help, with almost 2,000 adopters attending Adoption UK's virtual activities since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Adoption UK will receive funding over six months, under Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s £750m VCSE scheme, which provides voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with financial support during the coronavirus outbreak.

It will allow Adoption UK to maintain its helpline, webinars, community support and home learning support for adoptive families, despite the impact of Covid-19 on the charity’s fundraising revenue.

Dr Sue Armstrong Brown, Adoption UK’s chief executive, said: “Adoptive families are facing more challenges than most under lockdown.

"We’re very grateful the Department for Education has recognised the vital support, resources and advice we offer. Our work helps to transform the lives of vulnerable children and their families and this grant will help to ensure we can continue through the disruption of the pandemic.”