Russell Scullion

Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist

Russell Scullion is a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist registered with The Association of Child Psychotherapists. He began his career working in therapeutic communities with emotionally troubled children in the UK and USA. After some years in Early Years teaching Russell trained as a Drama Therapist using theatre and play in therapy. He worked in a clinic specialising in post sexual abuse. In 2014 Russell became a foster carer and following this, is keen on promoting being therapeutic in everyday family life. He offers individual psychotherapy for children and young people from approximately age 4 through 18 and also with adult carers using a DDP informed approach encouraging the development of secure attachment. Russell has vast experience in Theraplay and Drama Therapy. His present post in the NHS is focused on work with children and young people who have experienced trauma. Russell provides supervision and training to other mental health professionals, including training around trauma and attachment.

Specialism

Adoption and Fostering, Child Therapy

Locations Covered

Devon

As you may be aware, on the 14th April 2025 the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) announced changes to the Fair Access limit with a reduction of funding to £3000 and the discontinuation of the separate Fair Access Limit for specialist assessments.

We are currently working really hard to amend quotes for ongoing therapy work to fit within the new Fair Access Limit and working closely with Adopt South West and other local RAAs. We are also working closely with other specialist adoption support providers and therapeutic organisations including DDP connects and Theraplay UK to explore how we can continue to deliver specialist therapies within this limit.

If you are waiting for a new package of therapy please look out for correspondence from ASW or your regional adoption support agency, as they will need to regain your consent for the amended therapy contract.

If you are concerned about the impact of the delay on your family or have questions about the therapy or assessment you are waiting for please get in touch with Ellen or Jen and we will do our best to support you.

We will be contributing to a wider response to this and the following is a link to a petition requesting government action – Petition · Action Against ASGSF Changes (Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund) – United Kingdom · Change.org