British actress Anna Maxwell Martin is speaking out against the government’s decision to cut funding for a crucial therapy program benefiting adopted children. Earlier this year, financial support for therapy services for adopted and kinship children was reduced by 40% per child, sparking outrage. Maxwell Martin is now supporting a campaign urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse this decision in the upcoming budget. She stressed the importance of early investment in children’s lives, highlighting the long-term benefits and cost savings for the government.
Maxwell Martin emphasized the need to prioritize support for children, urging the government to consider the impact of cutting funding on the well-being and future prospects of vulnerable children. She called for a compassionate approach and urged policymakers to prioritize the needs of children in the country, particularly in terms of therapeutic support and education.
In a video supporting the campaign, Maxwell Martin emphasized the right of all children, including adopted and kinship children, to receive specialized therapeutic support to overcome past traumas and reach their full potential. She appealed to the government to listen to the voices of families and sign an open letter calling for a complete reversal of the funding cuts and the establishment of a dedicated fund for ongoing support.
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), which allocates £50 million for therapy and support services in England, has been significantly impacted by the recent funding cuts. A survey conducted by the Action Against ASGSF Changes group revealed that the reduced funding limit did not meet the needs of the majority of children, as reported by adoptive parents, special guardians, and kinship carers.
The Mirror previously reported on the impact of the funding cuts, with personal accounts highlighting the transformative effect of therapy services on children’s lives. The government defended its decision, stating that the changes were necessary for the financial sustainability of the fund and to expand access to targeted therapeutic support for vulnerable children. Plans for a public engagement process in the new year were announced to gather feedback on how best to support children and families moving forward.