REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has called on the Government to protect the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), warning that cuts to the scheme could have socially and financially devastating consequences for children and families in kinship care.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on adoption and kinship placements, Mr Bloore urged Ministers to recognise the vital role the fund plays in supporting kinship carers – relatives or close family friends who step in to raise children when they cannot remain with their birth parents.
Mr Bloore said: “I have found this issue to be one of the few that cuts across parties.
“Members see what the adoption and special guardianship support fund does on the ground, whether in their county councils or district councils.
“I have big concerns about the impact of the changes to the fund.
“It will discourage future kinship carers to come forward if they feel that the financial impacts on them mean that they will not be able to support the children who they desperately want to.
“We know if the government does not step up or change course on this issue, local government simply will not be able to step in and take their place.”
Mr Bloore said he had recently met with children in Redditch who were being supported by the fund.
He added: “Frankly, we are missing out on some of the brightest young people I have met.
“They have gone through hugely difficult times and will make incredible contributions to society.
“On this issue, I am more than happy to grab my pitchfork and support the Minister in running to the Treasury.
“This decision is something we cannot afford not to change.”
