Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin is urging the government to reverse cuts to a crucial therapy fund for adopted children, describing the reductions as “cruel.” Earlier this year, financial support for therapy under the program, benefiting adopted and kinship children, was reduced by 40% per individual. This move sparked outrage, leading the actress to support a campaign calling for a reversal of the decision before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget announcement next month.
In an interview with the Mirror, the Line of Duty actress expressed her concerns over the impact of the cuts, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in children’s well-being early on. She highlighted the economic repercussions of the funding cuts, pointing out that providing support to these children ultimately saves money for the government in the future.
Addressing Reeves directly, Martin stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of children and urged for the restoration of funding for therapeutic support. She emphasized the significance of supporting adopted and kinship children with kindness, urging the government to listen to their pleas.
The £50 million 2025-6 Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) in England, which funds therapy for vulnerable children, saw per-child funding reduced from £5,000 to £3,000 annually, along with the elimination of specialist assessment funding. Additionally, the ASGSF no longer provides matching funds for children with exceptional needs.
A survey conducted by the campaign group, Action Against ASGSF Changes, revealed that 85% of respondents, including adoptive parents and special guardians, believed that the new funding limit did not adequately meet their child’s requirements. The Mirror previously reported on the impact of the ASGSF cuts, sharing personal stories of families affected by the reductions.
Responding to the concerns raised, a Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged the importance of the support provided by the fund, assuring continued commitment to aiding adopted and kinship families. The government aims to ensure financial sustainability for the fund while enhancing access to targeted therapeutic support for vulnerable children. Plans for public engagement in the coming year will further explore effective ways to support children and families in need.
