As a teenager’s child and psychotetistist, I am writing to express serious concern about government management in adopt and special funds to Guardianship Support (ASGSF) this financial year. Asgsf has long been an important resource for adoption of families, which can access specialist therapeutic support for children experiencing the first trauma, loss and destruction. I work with many such families under this design and see the positive, often change its life effect.
This year, however, the situation is disturbing and distressing. Asgsf funds decision left until later in financial planning cycle, leaving families and limbo professionals. To come to the decision, the fund is cut by 40% – an intense explosion.
The result is cancellation or delay therapy for weak children, which others in crisis. Families have already taken out of extraordinary challenges now left without the support they trust. Therapeutic relationships that take time and trust in the build-up or disappear completely.
This is not a matter of money – it is about the benefit and strength of children who have faced many hardships. Asgsfs are created to ensure that these families do not fall into cracks. It adapted a disturbing message about government priorities when part of some weakest children in our society.
Dr Leslie Ironside
Director, The center for emotional development, Brighton
