Historical Forced Adoption

Education Committee Open Non-inquiry session
Opened: 2 Jun 2026 Parliament page
In July 2022, the Joint Committee on Human Rights (the JCHR) published its report The Violation of Family Life: Adoption of Children of Unmarried Women 1949–1976 which examined the adoption practices in England and Wales during that time. In its report, the JCHR made a series of recommendations, including on … Read more
19 Recommendations
4 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
9 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 13 events
14 Jul
2026
Correspondence
9 Jul
2026
Report published
2 Jul
2026
Correspondence
10 Jun
2026
Correspondence
9 Jun
2026
Correspondence
29 Apr
2026
Correspondence
27 Mar
2026
Report published
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
10 Mar
2026
Oral evidence
24 Feb
2026
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
10 Mar 2026
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Historical Forced Adoption
Ann Lloyd Keen · Movement for an Adoption Apology Debbie Iromlou · Adult Adoptee Movement Diana Defries · Movement for an Adoption Apology Josh MacAlister MP · Department for Education Sally Ells · Adult Adoptee Movement
24 Feb 2026
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Historical Forced Adoption
Brenda Farrell · Barnardo's Colonel Peter Forrest · The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Dr James Gallen · Dublin City University Dr Janet Greenlees · Glasgow Caledonian University Dr Michael Lambert · Lancaster University Emily Frith · Adoption UK Emma Crowther-Duncan · PAC-UK Professor Gordon Harold · University of Cambridge
Title HC No. Published Items Response
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption HC 1713 27 Mar 2026 23 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
23 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
We are in agreement as a Committee that the survivors’ testimony, which was a formal...
We are in agreement as a Committee that the survivors’ testimony, which was a formal Parliamentary proceeding and live broadcast, was some of the most powerful, moving and compelling evidence we have heard. We would like to place on the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's gratitude for survivor testimony and the report's insights, reiterating the Prime Minister's formal apology for historic forced adoption practices.
Department for Education
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around...
To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around 185,000 children were adopted between 1949 and 1976. Not all adoptions happened in the appalling circumstances described by our lived experience witnesses - for example, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's report, recognising the seriousness and lasting impact of historic forced adoption practices, and highlights the Prime Minister's formal apology for the harm caused.
Department for Education
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3 Recommendation Acknowledged
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Survivors of forced adoption must not have to repeat, in public, their harrowing stories anymore.
Survivors of forced adoption must not have to repeat, in public, their harrowing stories anymore. It is clear that decisive Government action, beginning with a co-authored apology, and continuing with a programme of fully funded support for survivors, must now … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the report and states that the Prime Minister delivered a formal apology on 2 July, which addressed the harm caused and the state's role. It indicates the document will detail further practical measures.
Department for Education
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4 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Historical forced adoption practices involved systemic coercion, the removal of parental choice and often resulted...
Historical forced adoption practices involved systemic coercion, the removal of parental choice and often resulted in deep trauma and lifelong consequences for mental and physical health. A formal apology is necessary to acknowledge these harms and to recognise the state’s … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, referencing their apology which recognised the state's role in enabling harmful practices. They commit to ensuring this acknowledgement is reflected in the public record and future support delivery.
Department for Education
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5 Conclusion Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Furthermore, many of those affected - both mothers and adult adoptees - are now elderly,...
Furthermore, many of those affected - both mothers and adult adoptees - are now elderly, and any further delay risks denying them the recognition they have waited decades to receive. Given the advancing age of those affected, time is now … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts, stating it committed to and delivered the apology within a clear timeframe following preparatory work and engagement with those affected, addressing the concern about delay.
Department for Education
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6 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The meaningful involvement of survivors in the design and implementation of an apology is essential...
The meaningful involvement of survivors in the design and implementation of an apology is essential to ensure that the apology validates their experiences and that the mitigations put in place thereafter support them directly. The Government must embed mothers and … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts, stating it engaged with affected individuals and organisations during the apology's development and will continue to involve those with lived experience during implementation.
Department for Education
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7 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must provide an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected by historical forced...
The Government must provide an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected by historical forced adoption practices, including unmarried mothers who were forced to give up their children for adoption, adult adoptees who were forcibly taken from their birth families, … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating they have already delivered a formal apology to all those affected by historic forced adoption practices, including mothers, adopted people, fathers, and wider family members.
Department for Education
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8 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must give an initial commitment to an apology, and must undertake the preliminary...
The Government must give an initial commitment to an apology, and must undertake the preliminary work for an apology - including working with survivor groups - as quickly as possible and commit publicly to a clear timetable for developing and … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, confirming they committed to and delivered the apology within a clear timeframe, following preparatory work and engagement with affected individuals and organisations.
Department for Education
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9 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must work directly with mothers, adult adoptees and lived-experience organisations to co-author both...
The Government must work directly with mothers, adult adoptees and lived-experience organisations to co-author both the apology and the measures that follow it. Co-production should run through all subsequent commitments on accessing records, trauma-informed health support, intermediary services, research and … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has already engaged with affected individuals and organisations in developing the apology and measures, and commits to continuing this co-production as commitments are implemented.
Department for Education
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10 Conclusion Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Evidence shows that government policy decisions, funding arrangements and legislative frameworks shaped the environment in...
Evidence shows that government policy decisions, funding arrangements and legislative frameworks shaped the environment in which unmarried mothers were routinely denied any meaningful choice in whether or not they could keep their children and were often shamed and coerced into … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the conclusion, stating their apology recognised the state's role in enabling harmful practices through funding and oversight, committing to reflect this acknowledgement in the public record and future support delivery.
Department for Education
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11 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
We are encouraged by the Minister’s acceptance that the state had a role in historical...
We are encouraged by the Minister’s acceptance that the state had a role in historical forced adoptions. However, the Government must go further by acknowledging the central role that the state had during this time. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating their apology recognised the state's central role in enabling harmful practices through funding and oversight. They commit to reflecting this acknowledgement in the public record and future support delivery.
Department for Education
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12 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government should formally and publicly recognise that the state played a central role in...
The Government should formally and publicly recognise that the state played a central role in enabling and sustaining historical forced adoption practices. Acknowledging this responsibility is essential in order to correct the public record, address previous misrepresentations, reduce the burden … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts, stating its apology already recognised the state's role in enabling harm, and commits to ensuring this acknowledgement is reflected in the public record and future support delivery.
Department for Education
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13 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Survivors of historical forced adoption practices have stressed the profound emotional burden of continually recounting...
Survivors of historical forced adoption practices have stressed the profound emotional burden of continually recounting their experiences and the many years they have spent campaigning without feeling heard by Government. It is clear to us that ongoing, structured dialogue with … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts in principle, committing to ongoing structured dialogue with survivors, co-developing communications and guidance, and considering mechanisms for engagement to inform policy in a proportionate and sustainable way.
Department for Education
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14 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must listen to and engage with survivors of forced adoption practices.
The Government must listen to and engage with survivors of forced adoption practices. The Government should commit to a survivor engagement strategy that guarantees regular consultation and clear lines of accountability, both in the short term as the Government works … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the principle, stating it has already undertaken and will continue structured engagement. It commits to maintaining ongoing dialogue, co-developing communications and guidance, and considering mechanisms for accountability.
Department for Education
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15 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must undertake a rigorous assessment of international responses to historical forced adoptions, with...
The Government must undertake a rigorous assessment of international responses to historical forced adoptions, with special attention to the redress mechanisms introduced in Australia, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This learning should inform a UK approach that avoids … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating they have already considered international approaches to historic forced adoptions, and this learning has informed their apology and ongoing support approach in England.
Department for Education
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16 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must take urgent action to ensure that all existing adoption records are preserved...
The Government must take urgent action to ensure that all existing adoption records are preserved and protected from deterioration, destruction or loss. It should legislate to introduce a clear statutory duty on every record-holding institution to maintain and securely store … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and will introduce regulatory changes, subject to Parliamentary approval, to require most historical adoption records to be retained for a minimum of 100 years.
Department for Education
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17 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must take steps to ensure that all affected individuals receive timely, consistent and...
The Government must take steps to ensure that all affected individuals receive timely, consistent and transparent access to adoption records. This obligation should be underpinned by clear statutory duties requiring every record-holding body to maintain accurate records and meet nationally … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, committing to support a national platform for locating adoption records and strengthening expectations on record-holding bodies through endorsing best practice. They will review progress before considering further regulatory or legislative steps.
Department for Education
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18 Recommendation Accepted
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government should issue new guidance to local authorities to improve the experience of birth...
The Government should issue new guidance to local authorities to improve the experience of birth mothers and adult adoptees seeking information about their records, with additional resources provided to local authorities so that requests for access to records do not … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts and commits to working with local authorities to improve practice, including issuing updated communications and supporting the implementation of improved practice guidance by 2025.
Department for Education
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19 Recommendation Acknowledged
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Beyond this, it was clear from our evidence that as well as safeguarding and maintaining...
Beyond this, it was clear from our evidence that as well as safeguarding and maintaining records, organisations holding records must ensure they take steps to respond to and help survivors in a way that is sensitive to the challenges for … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts in principle, agreeing on sensitive treatment for individuals seeking records. It will support organizations in embedding a trauma-informed approach promoted by the updated 2025 practice guidance.
Department for Education
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must introduce a nationally funded and regulated intermediary service to ensure that all...
The Government must introduce a nationally funded and regulated intermediary service to ensure that all adoptees and birth relatives have access to skilled, trauma-informed professionals who can support them in navigating contact, reunion, or information-sharing processes safely and sensitively. As … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, committing to expand access to funded intermediary services for historical cases and support national virtual peer-support groups, but does not address the regulation of ancestry tracing sites.
Department for Education
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21 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government must introduce a dedicated, trauma-informed health pathway for all those affected by historical...
The Government must introduce a dedicated, trauma-informed health pathway for all those affected by historical forced adoption. This should include improved access to specialist psychological support for birth mothers and adult adoptees, national clinical guidance recognising the heightened prevalence of … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, committing to strengthen access to trauma-informed care through existing NHS pathways by co-producing materials, improving clinician awareness, and enhancing signposting. They do not commit to a dedicated new health pathway.
Department for Education
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22 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
Adult adoptees told us that one of the harms they experienced was the loss of...
Adult adoptees told us that one of the harms they experienced was the loss of their health records. The Government should introduce an adoption marker on health records so that requests for medical history can be sensitively handled and additional … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts in principle, committing that NHS England will explore how patients can have their forced adoption experience recorded in health records. This includes improving clinician responses, providing clearer guidance on screening, and enhancing understanding of adoption-related needs.
Department for Education
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23 Recommendation Accepted in Part
8th Report - Historical Forced Ado…
The Government should commission and fund independent research into historical forced adoption, including quantitative and...
The Government should commission and fund independent research into historical forced adoption, including quantitative and qualitative studies on outcomes and on best practice for support interventions, to build a comprehensive evidence base that informs future policy decisions and improves support … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, committing to commission a testimonials project and improve how relevant information is recorded within existing systems to build an evidence base. It will take a phased approach to further research, keeping the need for large-scale studies under review.
Department for Education
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Government Response AI assessment · 23 of 19 classified
Accepted 13
Accepted in Part 6
Acknowledged 4
Total 19 recs + 4 conclusions
Correspondence 9 letters
14 Jul 2026 To committee Letter from Chair to Secretary of State on the Historical Forced Adoption Apology dated 14.07.26
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2 Jul 2026 Government Response to Historical Forced Adoption, dated 02.07.26
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10 Jun 2026 Correspondence with Secretary of State on Historical Forced Adoption dated 10.06.26
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9 Jun 2026 To committee Letter from Barnardo's on Historical forced adoptions dated 29.06.26
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29 Apr 2026 Correspondence with Secretary of State on Historical Forced Adoptions dated 28.04.26 and 29.04.26
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24 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from Barnardos on Historical Forced Adoption, dated 04.06.26
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24 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from The Salvation Army on Historical Forced Adoption, dated 12.06.26
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24 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from The Salvation Army on Historical Forced Adoption, dated 05.06.26
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24 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from Natalie Don-Innes MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise on Historical Forced Adoption, dated 19.02.26
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