"The cross-party Education Select Committee’s report on Historical Forced Adoption is recommending the Government provide a formal apology to all those affected by historical forced adoption. The Committee concluded that government decisions shaped the environment in which unmarried mothers were often shamed and coerced into having their children put up for adoption, and that the Government should formally and publicly recognise the state’s central role in enabling historical forced adoption practices.

This is a significant step towards a formal Government apology, something which we have been advocating for a long time. Importantly, the Committee report also recommends meaningful support for birth parents and adoptees beyond the apology itself, including better access to records and intermediary services, and access to therapeutic support.

We have been working with regional adoption agencies and partners across the sector to improve services for adults affected by adoption, and we will continue to advocate for additional support. The Government now needs to act swiftly on these recommendations so that support can be provided to enable those affected to move on with their lives.

This report also provides an opportunity to reflect on current and future practice. Modern adoption is focused on protecting children from significant harm when they cannot remain safely within their birth families, is characterised by greater openness and is informed by lived experience and research. It is also grounded in a growing understanding that adoption has a lifelong impact, requiring ongoing support for adopted people, birth and adoptive families.  There are a small number of parents who request adoption for their baby due to pressure, poverty or lack of support and therefore a focus on strengthening early help, family support, and prevention remains vital."

Sarah Johal MBE, National Adoption Strategic Lead, Adoption England

Read the full report and recommendations here Government must urgently apologise for state’s role in forced adoption, MPs recommend - Committees - UK Parliament