12
Accepted
The Government should formally and publicly recognise that the state played a central role in...
Recommendation
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 of blame and shame felt by many mothers and adoptees and the feelings of abandonment and rejection felt by many adoptees, and lay the groundwork for a credible apology and meaningful redress for those affected. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40) Working with survivors
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
ACCEPT The Government’s apology recognised the role of the state in enabling the systems and practices in which harm occurred including through funding and oversight, and acknowledged that the state did not do enough to prevent these practices. The Government is committed to ensuring that this acknowledgement is reflected in both the public record and in how support is delivered going forward.
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