Government issues a formal public apology to those affected by historical forced adoption practices
On 2 July 2026, the Government issued a formal public apology to those affected by historical forced adoption practices. At Adoption Cumbria, we welcome and support this apology, alongside the statements made by Adoption England. We have included Adoption England’s statement below to provide further context and information.
We recognise that the experiences of those affected have had a profound and lasting impact on many lives, and that some individuals, families and communities in Cumbria may still be living with the consequences of these historical practices today. The leadership of Adoption Cumbria and both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council recognise the lifelong hurt and pain experienced by those affected and acknowledge the enduring impact this has had on individuals and families.
Anyone who wishes to access adoption records, seek information about their circumstances, or explore the support available please contact the Regional Adoption Agency duty worker. We are here to listen to your experiences, discuss your individual needs and help you access appropriate information, advice and support.
Call us on 0303 333 1216 or email AdoptionSupportTeam@cumbria.gov.uk
Adoption England's Statement
Government issues landmark apology to those affected by historical forced adoption
After nearly two decades of campaigning, the government has today (Thursday 2nd July) issued a formal public apology to those affected by historical forced adoption.
Between the 1940s and 1970s, an estimated 185,000 mothers in England and Wales were coerced, shamed, or forced into giving up their babies for adoption - causing profound and lasting trauma for multiple generations of women, as well as significant and enduring impacts on their children.
In April this year, a report launched by the cross-party Education Committee concluded that Government decisions shaped the environment which enabled this practice to happen, and that a formal public apology should be made.
Sarah Johal MBE, Adoption England's National Adoption Strategic Lead, said:
"We have been advocating for a formal Government apology to those affected by historical forced adoption for a long time.
"The experiences of mothers who had their children taken from them, often without real choice or support, represent a profound injustice that has caused deep and lasting pain. That impact has been felt not only at the time, but across lifetimes—for the women, their children, and their wider families.
I hope this apology brings some recognition of that harm and begins to restore a sense of dignity and justice for those affected. While it is a significant and important moment, it must be the starting point for continued understanding, meaningful support, and lasting change recognising the lifelong impact of adoption."
The Department for Education will be providing £4 million investment over three years to strengthen support for those affected. This includes:
· Improving access to adoption records through a new national records platform and enhanced record retention arrangements.
· Expanding specialist advice, intermediary and family-finding services through FamilyConnect to help individuals access information and reconnect with relatives where appropriate.
· Increasing access to trauma-informed peer support and specialist services for those affected by historical forced adoption.
· Working with NHS England to improve awareness, recognition and access to appropriate health and mental health support.
Anyone affected who needs support can contact FamilyConnect - a service funded by Adoption England and expanded due to additional funding from the Dfe and delivered by charity PAC UK, helping adults who have been adopted and birth families who would like support and advice: www.familyconnect.org.uk
They also offer an expanded intermediary service for people adopted prior to 1976: Welcome to FamilyConnect - FamilyConnect
advice line 0300 1800 205 or email FamilyConnect@pac-uk.org