Yesterday, the UK Government issued a formal public apology to those affected by historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales. Between the 1940s and 1970s, thousands of unmarried mothers were pressured, coerced or forced into having their children adopted, causing lifelong impacts for mothers, adopted people and wider families.
The apology follows recommendations made by the Education Committee, which recognised the significant harm caused by historical adoption practices and called for greater support for those affected. The Government has also announced new investment to improve access to records, family-finding services, specialist advice and trauma-informed support.
Sarah Johal MBE, Adoption England’s National Adoption Strategic Lead, welcomed the apology, describing it as an important step in recognising the profound injustice experienced by many mothers and families, while highlighting the need for ongoing understanding, support and lasting change.
At Yorkshire Adoption Agency, we recognise the lasting impact that historical forced adoption has had on many individuals and families. We welcome measures that increase access to information, support and services for those affected.
For a fuller overview of the announcement and what it means for those impacted by historical forced adoption, we encourage you to read Consortium for Voluntary Adoption Agencies blog: CVAA response to Government apology for historic forced adoption practices
Anyone seeking information, advice or support can contact FamilyConnect, a service funded by Adoption England and delivered by PAC-UK(Contact PAC-UK – Family Action):
- Website: www.familyconnect.org.uk
- Telephone: 0300 1800 205 SM post
Email: FamilyConnect@pac-uk.org
Image credit: BBC