Committee publication · Correspondence · 2 July 2026 · HC 346
Government Response to Historical Forced Adoption, dated 02.07.26
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Historical Forced Adoption
Summary
The Department for Education responds to the Education Committee's March 2026 report on historic forced adoption. The government accepts most recommendations, announcing a Prime Ministerial apology on 2 July 2026 and a support package including expanded intermediary services, record preservation for 100 years, trauma-informed NHS guidance, peer support groups, a testimonials project, and a lived-experience reference group to monitor progress.
Key findings
- Prime Minister delivered formal apology recognising state's role in enabling forced adoption practices and acknowledging harm to mothers, adoptees, and family members
- Government will expand funded intermediary services and establish national virtual peer-led support groups for mothers and adopted adults
- Regulatory changes will require existing adoption records to be retained for minimum 100 years; CoramBAAF and Archives and Records Association will lead national platform for record access
- NHS England to co-produce trauma-informed guidance with lived-experience groups; patients can have forced adoption recorded in health records where they consent
- Government will establish reference group of those with lived experience to review progress on all measures and ensure ongoing responsiveness
Government position
Accepts or accepts in principle all major Committee recommendations. On apology: accepted; delivered 2 July 2026 following engagement with affected groups. On state responsibility: accepted; apology acknowledged state's enabling role. On survivor engagement: accepted in principle; committed to structured ongoing dialogue. On record preservation: accepted; regulatory changes to mandate 100-year retention. On record access: partially accepts; national platform via CoramBAAF and updated guidance to local authorities, with review by reference group before considering further legislative steps. On intermediary services: partially accepts; expanded funding and peer support groups rather than single national regulated service. On mental health: partially accepts; will strengthen existing NHS pathways with co-produced materials and clinician training rather than dedicated pathway. On research: partially accepts; will commission testimonials project and use emerging data from improved recording systems, keeping further research under review.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Bridget Phillipson MP, Helen Hayes MP, Prime Minister, Education Select Committee, CoramBAAF, Archives and Records Association, NHS England, Department for Health and Social Care
Notable line
“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 …”
Key Quotes
“I am writing to inform the Education Select Committee that today the Prime Minister is to make a formal apology for the historical practice of forced adoption.”
“The Committee's report has played a significant role in bringing to light the experiences of those affected, and in highlighting the need for acknowledgment and tangible support.”
“We recognise the seriousness of the issues raised and the profound and lasting impact that historic forced adoption practices have had on those affected, including mothers, adopted people, and their wider families.”
“The Government engaged with mothers, adopted adults and organisations representing those affected in the development of the apology and associated measures.”
“Subject to Parliamentary approval, we will introduce regulatory changes requiring most existing historical adoption records to be retained for a minimum of 100 years.”
“We will continue to work with those with lived experience as the Government implements its commitments.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗