20 Accepted in Part

The Government must introduce a nationally funded and regulated intermediary service to ensure that all...

Recommendation
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 part of this process the Government should also ensure 31 that online ancestry tracing and DNA testing sites offer clear support and signposting for people who find out they are adopted, and should consult on whether such sites need to be regulated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73) A dedicated mental health support pathway
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government Accepted in Part
PARTIALLY ACCEPT The Government recognises the value of intermediary services in supporting sensitive contact, tracing, and information sharing. We will: • Expand access to funded intermediary services for historical adoption cases where access is currently most limited. • Support the provision of national virtual peer-support groups for mothers and adopted adults. These measures will strengthen support while ensuring provision remains proportionate and sustainable.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 27 Mar 2026