Evaluation of the Adoption Support Fund: Local Authority, Regional Adoption Agencies and Provider Experiences (2022) Research Report

This summary encompasses two evaluations of support services in England. The first evaluation, conducted by the Institute of Public Care at Oxford Brookes University, assessed the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) from 2018-2021, focusing on its support for adoptive and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) families dealing with attachment and trauma issues. Methodology included interviews, surveys, and comparison with prior reports. Findings indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic affected service demand and assessment quality, leading to service delivery innovations and increased ASF awareness. However, challenges such as access barriers for SGO families, a saturated provider market, and sustainability concerns were noted, suggesting potential improvements through devolved funding. The second evaluation reviewed mental health services for children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, which aimed to mitigate heightened anxiety and depression through a hybrid service model. Feedback from providers and families indicated generally good quality services with a positive impact, but highlighted accessibility issues and bureaucratic delays. Online therapy emerged as an innovative solution, offering flexibility despite some relational challenges. The evaluation identified service gaps, emphasizing the need for a more diverse workforce and tailored support. It concluded that while services were cost-effective, enhancements in funding, assessment, commissioning, and provision are necessary. This evaluation was published by the Department for Education. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Individual interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: December 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes