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<p>Improving adoption is a key priority for the government. I wrote to Directors of
Children’s Services on 16 January stating that we wanted to see a renewed focus on
adoption and permanence by all local authorities. In particular, we wanted to ensure
that adoptive families receive ongoing support from the moment that the child is placed
with them and throughout their childhood.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities have an
ongoing legal duty to provide support services that meet the needs of local adopted
families. My letter asked them to identify where they were doing well, but also at
areas where they think they could improve.</p><p> </p><p>Last year, we announced that
the Adoption Support Fund would continue with increased funding until 2021.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department for Education’s spending after 2021 is subject to a future funding
settlement with HM Treasury. We will consider the name, scope, eligibility and delivery
requirements of the Adoption Support Fund as part of that.</p><p> </p><p>We are taking
action to increase awareness of the Adoption Support Fund amongst eligible special
guardianship families. An information leaflet is being developed in partnership with
Family Rights Group, Adoption UK and Home for Good. The leaflet will be promoted by
relevant charities and will be made available to all local authorities so they can
make the information available to the families who they are working with.</p><p> </p>
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