Member Article

Blackpool Council Offer Free Therapeutic Services

Blackpool Council Adoption Services can now offer adoptive parents throughout Lancashire free therapeutic services thanks to new funding under the Adoption Support Fund (ASF).

The government has announced new funding worth £19.3 million to support adoptive families across England.

From 1st May 2015, adoptive parents in the North-West can get access to better care and support to help them relax and become comfortable in their new surroundings. The aim is to help adopted children recover from their previous experiences, bond with their new adoptive families and settle into their new forever homes.

The ASF will pay for therapeutic services that are not currently provided including:

• Cognitive therapy
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
• Play and Music therapy
• Intensive family support
• Therapeutic parenting courses and more.

Click here for a full list of the therapeutic services that the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) will pay for.

Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families, said: “We know that children adopted from care have often lived through terrible experiences which do not just simply disappear once they have settled with their new families.

“The Adoption Support Fund will provide adoptive families with the right support - from cognitive therapy to music and play therapy and attachment based therapy - to ensure that these children have a stable and fulfilling childhood - a fundamental right for every child, no matter what their starting point in life.“

Many adopted children have experienced difficult and traumatic experiences before the placement with their new family, which in some cases can often prevent them from settling into their new surroundings.

A spokesperson from Blackpool Council Adoption Agency said:

“We already have a well-established Adoption Support Team who provide a wealth of experience, knowledge and support - however, the additional funding will contribute towards a range of therapeutic services such as behavioural support, creative therapies and family sessions. These will all have a positive effect on adoptive families throughout the region.“

The £19.3 million of extra funding is available to all children adopted in England and not just newly adopted children.

The ASF will pay for post-adoption-order support for children adopted up to the age of 18 (25-years-old with an SEN statement). It is not applicable to inter-country adoptions.

Blackpool Council Adoption Services have assisted many prospective parents throughout Lancashire with their adoption journey, creating a happy, stable and permanent environment for an ever increasing number of children waiting to find their forever families.

To find out more information on the Adoption Support Fund, who is eligible and how the process works, visit www.adoptwithblackpool.com or call the team on 01253 477888.

ENDS

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