A new inquiry from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Adoption and Permanence The Adoptee Voices Inquiry, co-produced with adopted young people and led by a steering group of adoptees, draws on evidence from over 300 adoptees aged 13 to 25 across England which is a huge achievement in terms of engagement. It focuses on three key areas that matter deeply to young people growing up adopted: identity, health and wellbeing, and education. At its heart, the report centres lived experience and calls for systems to listen, respond, and do better.

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead at Adoption England, said:

“The voices shared through this inquiry are powerful and they must drive how we think about responding to better meet the needs of adopted young people.  The report highlights what many adopted young people have been telling us that they often feel isolated, unsupported and misunderstood, particularly as they move into adulthood.

The report states that support often drops away as young people move into adulthood, at a point when they may need it most. Key priorities include the need for peer support groups for adoptees; a government-led national awareness campaign to challenge some of the stigma and misunderstanding that persists around adoption; access to and support from mental health, health and education professionals who are trained in trauma and care experience; and an extension in support services for adoptees until age 25. 

“We welcome the inquiry’s findings and recommendations. They align with our ongoing commitments to strengthen adoption support, to promote trauma-informed practice, and to ensure that the voice of adopted people shapes policy and practice at every level.”