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Family Adoption Links welcomes today’s formal Government apology to those affected by historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales between the 1949 and 1976.
During this period, an estimated 185,000 women were coerced, pressured or forced into giving up their babies for adoption, often without meaningful support or choice. The impact of these experiences has been profound and lifelong for mothers, their children and wider families.
The apology follows many years of campaigning by birth mothers, adopted people and organisations across the adoption sector, and recommendations made earlier this year by the Education Committee.
Responding to the announcement, Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England, said:
“The experiences of mothers who had their children taken from them, often without real choice or support, represent a profound injustice that has caused deep and lasting pain.”
Readers can view the Government’s apology and response on GOV.UK.
Adoption England has released a statement including a summary of the Government’s announcement of £4 million in funding over the next three years to improve support for those affected. This funding will help provide better access to adoption records, expand intermediary services, and increase trauma-informed support.
Anyone affected who needs support can contact FamilyConnect – a service funded by Adoption England and expanded due to additional funding from the DfE and delivered by charity PAC UK, helping adults who have been adopted and birth families who would like support and advice: www.familyconnect.org.uk
They also offer an expanded intermediary service for people adopted prior to 1976: Welcome to FamilyConnect – FamilyConnect
Advice line 0300 1800 205 or email FamilyConnect@pac-uk.org
