To ask the Minister of Health what proposals she has to introduce an Adoption Support Fund to help families with adopted children with therapeutic needs.

HSC Trust Therapeutic Teams for Looked After and Adopted Children provide support to young people and their families who require specific therapeutic and support as part of an adoptive family. Through in-year funding, I was able to make a further investment in these services, particularly for those young people who have suffered from, or been exposed to, trauma. Further work on the nature and quantum of support required to meet need will be undertaken in the context of new adoption legislation which I plan to consult on as soon as possible.