Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding available to those caring for children under special guardianship orders.

We have not assessed the adequacy of funding for those caring for children under special guardianship orders and have no plans to increase funding as these are matters for local authorities. They have a clear legal duty to carry out an assessment and make arrangements for the provision of special guardianship support services.

Since April 2016 previously looked after children and their special guardians have had access to the Adoption Support Fund. The Fund pays for therapeutic services designed to help children recover from their previous experiences and bond with their new families.

The Welsh Government determines arrangements for the provision of special guardianship support services in Wales, including financial support.