Committee publication · Correspondence · 9 June 2026
Letter from Barnardo's on Historical forced adoptions dated 29.06.26
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Historical Forced Adoption
Summary
Barnardo's Chief Executive Lynn Perry writes to Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes to apologize for the organization's defensive stance during the forced adoption inquiry. Perry acknowledges the striking testimony from mothers and adoptees, regrets any defensive framing, and announces an internal review to understand Barnardo's historical role in forced adoption and how to address its legacy. She requests a meeting to discuss the review findings and support for committee recommendations.
Key findings
- Barnardo's acknowledges its previous submissions to the inquiry may have been perceived as defensive by both the Committee and survivors of forced adoption
- The Chief Executive recognizes the testimonies from mothers and adoptees as 'striking and in many cases heartbreaking'
- Barnardo's has initiated an internal review to reflect on committee feedback, findings, and recommendations
- The organization commits to understanding its full role in historical forced adoption and addressing its legacy
- Barnardo's seeks to engage with the Committee on how it might support relevant recommendations from the inquiry
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Lynn Perry MBE, Helen Hayes MP, Barnardo's, Steven Francis
Notable line
“I sincerely regret this. I have initiated a review to ensure that we reflect on the feedback …”
Key Quotes
“The testimony of the mothers and adoptees is striking and in many cases heartbreaking.”
“I understand that Barnardo's input into the inquiry, including the letter referenced, may have been perceived as defensive by the Committee”
“I want to assure you that this includes a process to ensure that Barnardo's fully understands the role we played in forced adoption and reflects on how we recognise and address our legacy.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗