Recent funding cuts to on-going therapy services adopted children have sparked controversy from advocates of child welfare. Lucy Watson is a Mom to a family of adopted sibs. As an outspoken CAM campaigner, she has used her experience to highlight just how lifesaving these funds are for children who’ve experienced abuse, neglect, or violence. The recent decision by the government to reduce this funding is seen as a step back in the quest to provide necessary care for vulnerable children.
Due to changes by the government, therapy funding for adopted children has been cut from £5,000 a year to £3,000 per year. Specialist assessment funding has nationwide been zeroed out. In the past, partitioned support of £2,500 for specialist assessment and £5,000 for therapy was available, providing up to £7,500 in support for eligible children. This figure currently is only £3,000. For most families, what has been the most worrisome is the short-term effect that this will have on their children’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Watson issued a press release noting that the cuts were “terribly short-sighted,” and she expressed her dismay over the dismal cuts. She noted the vital importance of providing for these children’s needs. She made the case that failing to do so would save society more money in the future.
“These children need our help. They are the most vulnerable in society. If we don’t support them now, it is going to cost us more later.” – Lucy Watson
A West Sussex parent echoed Watson’s sentiments, asserting that the government’s cuts to therapy funding would have a “devastating” impact on adopted children. Rest assured, the community is as alarmed as you are about this proposal. Last year, upwards of 20,000 children benefited from the scheme, a marked increase from around 13,000 in 2019/20.
In the wake of all the public outcry, an official from the government responded to the criticism. Together they revealed that the administration has committed £50 million to continue the fund in 2020. The government’s commitment, he said, was to make sure families succeed. Campaigners, including Thomson Reuters Foundation, say the ongoing support given has not been enough.
Watson further argued for the importance of mental health services, stating, “We need to support them to get better so these children have a future.” Her advocacy highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of adopted children and ensuring they receive adequate support as they navigate their complex histories.
