2
Acknowledged
To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around...
Conclusion
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, sometimes children were orphaned. People with lived experience may have a diverse range of views on what happened, and of course not everyone’s experience was the same, with some happily more positive; but a diversity of views does not dilute the harm that many suffered and whose testimony we have heard. (Conclusion, Paragraph 3)
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Introduction The Government is grateful to the Committee for shining a spotlight on the issue of historic forced adoption practices in its report and for the evidence it gathered. We recognise the seriousness of the issues raised and the profound and lasting impact that historic forced adoption practices have had on those affected, including mothers, adopted people, and their wider families. On [2 July], the Prime Minister delivered a formal apology on behalf of the Government. That apology acknowledged the harm caused, the role of the state, and the experiences of those affected. We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Committee’s recommendations, and this document sets out how Government will build on that apology through practical measures and continued engagement.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Inquiry
Historical Forced Adoption
Report
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
27 Mar 2026
HC 1713
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
27 Mar 2026