- Prime Minister makes official apology for the historic
injustice of forced adoptions.
- Around 185,000 birth mothers and adoptees were affected in
England and Wales between 1949 and 1976.
- Apology comes with £4 million package of support, including
with easier access to adoption records.
People affected by the injustice of forced adoption have today
received the formal apology they deserve, as the government
acknowledged the role of the state in the appalling practice and
unveiled a package of practical support worth £4 million over
three years.
The Prime Minister, , delivered the apology in
Parliament as campaigners watched on, ahead of a reception for
them in Westminster.
In a speech, the Prime Minister reflected on the harm caused to
an estimated 185,000 mothers, adopted people and their wider
families by practices that took place primarily between 1949 and
1976.
The apology recognises that many women were denied genuine
choice, made to feel ashamed or unworthy, and that children were
taken from their birth families, their identity and their
history. Fathers and wider families were also affected, with harm
lasting across lifetimes and, in some cases, generations.
The £4 million support fund will go towards helping people access
their adoption records via the Coram BAAF charity, fund
intermediary services like Family Connect that helps people
reconnect with family members, and research and testimonial
projects to document the long-term impact on people's lives.
Education Secretary said:
"The pain carried by mothers, adopted children and their
families who suffered this appalling injustice is
unimaginable. They were cruelly denied irreplaceable moments,
shared experiences and relationships which should have been
theirs, and were made to feel ashamed.
Today, on behalf of the British state, we say with one voice:
this was wrong, and we are sorry. An apology cannot undo what
happened, but it can be the start of real change, alongside
providing the practical action, care and support that people
need.
Governments funded, enabled and relied on systems that were not
consistently or effectively overseen. In some cases, records were
lost, altered, or not made fully accessible to those seeking
answers. The state did not do enough to protect mothers, children
and families and it failed to prevent harm from continuing. It
bears responsibility for the systems it funded and legitimised,
which enabled these practices to take place.
The Government recognises that an apology alone is not enough.
Alongside today's statement, ministers are setting out practical
steps to improve support for those affected, including:
- improving access to adoption records;
- expanding services which support family reconnection;
- working with NHS England to improve access to appropriate
health support, including with mental health challenges;
- developing peer support;
- strengthening awareness across public services;
- establishing a lived experience reference group to review
progress; and
- commissioning a testimonials project to capture the stories
of those with experience of historical forced adoption.
To ensure that lessons are learned and continue to make
improvements, the government will also work to gather data on how
the support announced today is working over time, keeping the
need for further research under review.
This package reflects what those affected have said matters most:
being able to understand their past, access records, reconnect
with family where possible and receive support that recognises
what they have lived through.
The apology relates to historical adoption practices in England.
Scotland and Wales have each issued their own formal apologies,
which the UK Government supports, while in Northern Ireland work
is underway to establish a statutory public inquiry into Mother
and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, led by
the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Government recognises that some people's experiences extend
beyond the 1949 to 1976 period, and that it is deeply upsetting
to hear examples where coercive practices continued. Today's
adoption system is fundamentally different, with strong legal
safeguards, clear consent requirements and independent judicial
oversight.
Information and support for those affected
If you have been affected by historical forced adoption
practices, support is available:
-
FamilyConnect offers confidential support,
including counselling, record tracing and help with
reunification where appropriate, and can be reached on 0300
1800 205 or https://www.familyconnect.org.uk
-
For urgent support Samaritans is available
24/7 and free from any phone: 116 123.
- You can also speak to your GP, who can help
you access further support.
If you are based outside England, you can still access
confidential listening services such as Samaritans
