Committee publication · Correspondence · 29 April 2026
Correspondence with Secretary of State on Historical Forced Adoptions dated 28.04.26 and 29.04.26
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Historical Forced Adoption
Summary
Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson responds to the Education Committee's investigation into historical forced adoptions. The government acknowledges harm caused by state machinery and prevailing social attitudes, recognises the case for a formal apology, and commits to strengthening practical support through improved mental health access, increased funding for tracing services, and extended record retention.
Key findings
- Government acknowledges state had a role in enabling and sustaining forced adoption practices that caused lasting damage to mothers, adoptees and families
- Government is actively considering a formal government apology, to be made at appropriately senior level and developed in close collaboration with those affected
- £200,000 additional funding for FamilyConnect to support tracing, records access and reunion services
- Department for Education working with Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to improve trauma-informed mental health support access via GPs
- Government intends to consult on extending adoption records retention from 75 years to 100 years
Government position
The government accepts that historical forced adoption caused harm and that the state enabled these practices. It is actively considering and moving towards a formal apology, recognising that expressions of regret alone are insufficient. The government commits to strengthening practical support immediately through mental health services, funding increases for intermediary services, and extended records retention, with a full position statement promised within one month.
Tone
SupportiveTopics
Key actors
Bridget Phillipson, Helen Hayes, Department for Education, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, FamilyConnect
Notable line
“The Government recognises that far too many people have had to carry these experiences in silence for decades, often repeatedly being asked to retell traumatic stories simply to be heard.”
Key Quotes
“The Government has a clear understanding of the harm that was caused, not only by prevailing social attitudes of the time but by elements of the machinery of the state that enabled and sustained these practices over many years.”
“The case for an apology is powerful, and we accept that the state had a role in enabling and sustaining practices that caused lasting damage to mothers, adoptees and families.”
“Those affected have waited far too long for acknowledgement, dignity and action. This Government is resolved to address the legacy of forced adoption with seriousness, compassion and resolve.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗