Recommendations & Conclusions
23 items
1
Conclusion
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Acknowledged
We are in agreement as a Committee that the survivors’ testimony, which was a formal Parliamentary proceeding and live broadcast, was some of the most powerful, moving and compelling evidence we have heard. We would like to place on the record our heartfelt thanks for their bravery, honesty and eloquence. …
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We are in agreement as a Committee that the survivors’ testimony, which was a formal Parliamentary proceeding and live broadcast, was some of the most powerful, moving and compelling evidence we have heard. We would like to place on the record our heartfelt thanks for their bravery, honesty and eloquence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 2)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's gratitude for survivor testimony and the report's insights, reiterating the Prime Minister's formal apology for historic forced adoption practices.
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Department for Education
2
Conclusion
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Acknowledged
To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around 185,000 children were adopted between 1949 and 1976. Not all adoptions happened in the appalling circumstances described by our lived experience witnesses - for example, sometimes children were orphaned. People with lived experience may have …
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To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around 185,000 children were adopted between 1949 and 1976. Not all adoptions happened in the appalling circumstances described by our lived experience witnesses - for example, sometimes children were orphaned. People with lived experience may have a diverse range of views on what happened, and of course not everyone’s experience was the same, with some happily more positive; but a diversity of views does not dilute the harm that many suffered and whose testimony we have heard. (Conclusion, Paragraph 3)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's report, recognising the seriousness and lasting impact of historic forced adoption practices, and highlights the Prime Minister's formal apology for the harm caused.
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Department for Education
3
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Acknowledged
Survivors of forced adoption must not have to repeat, in public, their harrowing stories anymore. It is clear that decisive Government action, beginning with a co-authored apology, and continuing with a programme of fully funded support for survivors, must now happen without delay, so that survivors can get on with …
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Survivors of forced adoption must not have to repeat, in public, their harrowing stories anymore. It is clear that decisive Government action, beginning with a co-authored apology, and continuing with a programme of fully funded support for survivors, must now happen without delay, so that survivors can get on with their lives. We go on to consider the evidence for an apology, as well as other measures, in detail in the remainder of this short report; but we begin by stating that the Government must act now; and by asking, exceptionally, that the Government provides an initial response, setting out a timetable for developing and issuing its apology, within one month in recognition of the huge cost to survivors of continued delay and inaction. (Conclusion, Paragraph 8) An apology
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the report and states that the Prime Minister delivered a formal apology on 2 July, which addressed the harm caused and the state's role. It indicates the document will detail further practical measures.
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Department for Education
4
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
Historical forced adoption practices involved systemic coercion, the removal of parental choice and often resulted in deep trauma and lifelong consequences for mental and physical health. A formal apology is necessary to acknowledge these harms and to recognise the state’s role in 28 permitting them. We should be clear that …
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Historical forced adoption practices involved systemic coercion, the removal of parental choice and often resulted in deep trauma and lifelong consequences for mental and physical health. A formal apology is necessary to acknowledge these harms and to recognise the state’s role in 28 permitting them. We should be clear that the scope of the apology should extend beyond the 1949–1976 period as we have received clear evidence that the practices associated with forced adoptions happened before 1949 and continued after the introduction of the Adoption Act 1976. (Conclusion, Paragraph 28)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, referencing their apology which recognised the state's role in enabling harmful practices. They commit to ensuring this acknowledgement is reflected in the public record and future support delivery.
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Department for Education
5
Conclusion
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
Furthermore, many of those affected - both mothers and adult adoptees - are now elderly, and any further delay risks denying them the recognition they have waited decades to receive. Given the advancing age of those affected, time is now a critical factor. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)
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Furthermore, many of those affected - both mothers and adult adoptees - are now elderly, and any further delay risks denying them the recognition they have waited decades to receive. Given the advancing age of those affected, time is now a critical factor. (Conclusion, Paragraph 29)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts, stating it committed to and delivered the apology within a clear timeframe following preparatory work and engagement with those affected, addressing the concern about delay.
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Department for Education
6
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The meaningful involvement of survivors in the design and implementation of an apology is essential to ensure that the apology validates their experiences and that the mitigations put in place thereafter support them directly. The Government must embed mothers and adoptees’ voices at every stage of the process of an …
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The meaningful involvement of survivors in the design and implementation of an apology is essential to ensure that the apology validates their experiences and that the mitigations put in place thereafter support them directly. The Government must embed mothers and adoptees’ voices at every stage of the process of an apology. (Conclusion, Paragraph 30)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts, stating it engaged with affected individuals and organisations during the apology's development and will continue to involve those with lived experience during implementation.
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Department for Education
7
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government must provide an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected by historical forced adoption practices, including unmarried mothers who were forced to give up their children for adoption, adult adoptees who were forcibly taken from their birth families, unmarried mothers who were able to keep their children, but …
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The Government must provide an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected by historical forced adoption practices, including unmarried mothers who were forced to give up their children for adoption, adult adoptees who were forcibly taken from their birth families, unmarried mothers who were able to keep their children, but who were nevertheless subject to cruel practices, punishments and stigma, as well as birth fathers, siblings and other family members. (Recommendation, Paragraph 31)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating they have already delivered a formal apology to all those affected by historic forced adoption practices, including mothers, adopted people, fathers, and wider family members.
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Department for Education
8
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government must give an initial commitment to an apology, and must undertake the preliminary work for an apology - including working with survivor groups - as quickly as possible and commit publicly to a clear timetable for developing and issuing its apology. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
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The Government must give an initial commitment to an apology, and must undertake the preliminary work for an apology - including working with survivor groups - as quickly as possible and commit publicly to a clear timetable for developing and issuing its apology. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, confirming they committed to and delivered the apology within a clear timeframe, following preparatory work and engagement with affected individuals and organisations.
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Department for Education
9
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government must work directly with mothers, adult adoptees and lived-experience organisations to co-author both the apology and the measures that follow it. Co-production should run through all subsequent commitments on accessing records, trauma-informed health support, intermediary services, research and long-term representation in policymaking. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) The State’s involvement
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The Government must work directly with mothers, adult adoptees and lived-experience organisations to co-author both the apology and the measures that follow it. Co-production should run through all subsequent commitments on accessing records, trauma-informed health support, intermediary services, research and long-term representation in policymaking. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) The State’s involvement
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has already engaged with affected individuals and organisations in developing the apology and measures, and commits to continuing this co-production as commitments are implemented.
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Department for Education
10
Conclusion
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
Evidence shows that government policy decisions, funding arrangements and legislative frameworks shaped the environment in which unmarried mothers were routinely denied any meaningful choice in whether or not they could keep their children and were often shamed and coerced into submitting to have their children put up for adoption. (Conclusion, …
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Evidence shows that government policy decisions, funding arrangements and legislative frameworks shaped the environment in which unmarried mothers were routinely denied any meaningful choice in whether or not they could keep their children and were often shamed and coerced into submitting to have their children put up for adoption. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38) 29
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the conclusion, stating their apology recognised the state's role in enabling harmful practices through funding and oversight, committing to reflect this acknowledgement in the public record and future support delivery.
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Department for Education
11
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
We are encouraged by the Minister’s acceptance that the state had a role in historical forced adoptions. However, the Government must go further by acknowledging the central role that the state had during this time. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating their apology recognised the state's central role in enabling harmful practices through funding and oversight. They commit to reflecting this acknowledgement in the public record and future support delivery.
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Department for Education
12
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government should formally and publicly recognise that the state played a central role in enabling and sustaining historical forced adoption practices. Acknowledging this responsibility is essential in order to correct the public record, address previous misrepresentations, reduce the burden of blame and shame felt by many mothers and adoptees …
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The Government should formally and publicly recognise that the state played a central role in enabling and sustaining historical forced adoption practices. Acknowledging this responsibility is essential in order to correct the public record, address previous misrepresentations, reduce the burden of blame and shame felt by many mothers and adoptees and the feelings of abandonment and rejection felt by many adoptees, and lay the groundwork for a credible apology and meaningful redress for those affected. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40) Working with survivors
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts, stating its apology already recognised the state's role in enabling harm, and commits to ensuring this acknowledgement is reflected in the public record and future support delivery.
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Department for Education
13
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
Survivors of historical forced adoption practices have stressed the profound emotional burden of continually recounting their experiences and the many years they have spent campaigning without feeling heard by Government. It is clear to us that ongoing, structured dialogue with survivors is not an optional extra but a foundation for …
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Survivors of historical forced adoption practices have stressed the profound emotional burden of continually recounting their experiences and the many years they have spent campaigning without feeling heard by Government. It is clear to us that ongoing, structured dialogue with survivors is not an optional extra but a foundation for meaningful progress. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts in principle, committing to ongoing structured dialogue with survivors, co-developing communications and guidance, and considering mechanisms for engagement to inform policy in a proportionate and sustainable way.
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Department for Education
14
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
The Government must listen to and engage with survivors of forced adoption practices. The Government should commit to a survivor engagement strategy that guarantees regular consultation and clear lines of accountability, both in the short term as the Government works towards an apology, and for the long-term to ensure that …
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The Government must listen to and engage with survivors of forced adoption practices. The Government should commit to a survivor engagement strategy that guarantees regular consultation and clear lines of accountability, both in the short term as the Government works towards an apology, and for the long-term to ensure that survivors’ experiences and insights directly inform the Government’s decision-making processes and that they are able to hold the Government to account for the impact of the apology. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Learning from other countries
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the principle, stating it has already undertaken and will continue structured engagement. It commits to maintaining ongoing dialogue, co-developing communications and guidance, and considering mechanisms for accountability.
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Department for Education
15
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government must undertake a rigorous assessment of international responses to historical forced adoptions, with special attention to the redress mechanisms introduced in Australia, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This learning should inform a UK approach that avoids symbolic or incomplete action and instead delivers a comprehensive, fully-resourced, …
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The Government must undertake a rigorous assessment of international responses to historical forced adoptions, with special attention to the redress mechanisms introduced in Australia, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This learning should inform a UK approach that avoids symbolic or incomplete action and instead delivers a comprehensive, fully-resourced, survivor-led response. (Recommendation, Paragraph 54) 30 Improving access to adoption records
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating they have already considered international approaches to historic forced adoptions, and this learning has informed their apology and ongoing support approach in England.
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Department for Education
16
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government must take urgent action to ensure that all existing adoption records are preserved and protected from deterioration, destruction or loss. It should legislate to introduce a clear statutory duty on every record-holding institution to maintain and securely store their records. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
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The Government must take urgent action to ensure that all existing adoption records are preserved and protected from deterioration, destruction or loss. It should legislate to introduce a clear statutory duty on every record-holding institution to maintain and securely store their records. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and will introduce regulatory changes, subject to Parliamentary approval, to require most historical adoption records to be retained for a minimum of 100 years.
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Department for Education
17
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
The Government must take steps to ensure that all affected individuals receive timely, consistent and transparent access to adoption records. This obligation should be underpinned by clear statutory duties requiring every record-holding body to maintain accurate records and meet nationally defined standards for disclosure. The Government should establish a single, …
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The Government must take steps to ensure that all affected individuals receive timely, consistent and transparent access to adoption records. This obligation should be underpinned by clear statutory duties requiring every record-holding body to maintain accurate records and meet nationally defined standards for disclosure. The Government should establish a single, standardised national access point for adoption records, something that survivors recommended to us. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to support a national platform for locating adoption records and strengthening expectations on record-holding bodies through endorsing best practice. They will review progress before considering further regulatory or legislative steps.
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Department for Education
18
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted
The Government should issue new guidance to local authorities to improve the experience of birth mothers and adult adoptees seeking information about their records, with additional resources provided to local authorities so that requests for access to records do not have to compete with current child safeguarding priorities and that …
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The Government should issue new guidance to local authorities to improve the experience of birth mothers and adult adoptees seeking information about their records, with additional resources provided to local authorities so that requests for access to records do not have to compete with current child safeguarding priorities and that access to records is supported by better training of local authority staff. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts and commits to working with local authorities to improve practice, including issuing updated communications and supporting the implementation of improved practice guidance by 2025.
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Department for Education
19
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Acknowledged
Beyond this, it was clear from our evidence that as well as safeguarding and maintaining records, organisations holding records must ensure they take steps to respond to and help survivors in a way that is sensitive to the challenges for survivors in approaching an organisation that may have been complicit …
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Beyond this, it was clear from our evidence that as well as safeguarding and maintaining records, organisations holding records must ensure they take steps to respond to and help survivors in a way that is sensitive to the challenges for survivors in approaching an organisation that may have been complicit in the harm that was done to them. This should involve not only enhanced training for staff, but also ensuring that organisations reflect on their history and present it in a way which reflects the evidence as we now understand it - that women were coerced into adoption without consent, and suffered abuse, and that this resulted in lifelong trauma both for mothers and for their children; and that the system was cruel, traumatising and stigmatising for women who were placed in Mother and Baby Homes, even when they were able to keep their babies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Improving intermediary support for adoptees and birth families
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts in principle, agreeing on sensitive treatment for individuals seeking records. It will support organizations in embedding a trauma-informed approach promoted by the updated 2025 practice guidance.
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Department for Education
20
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
The Government must introduce a nationally funded and regulated intermediary service to ensure that all adoptees and birth relatives have access to skilled, trauma-informed professionals who can support them in navigating contact, reunion, or information-sharing processes safely and sensitively. As part of this process the Government should also ensure 31 …
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The Government must introduce a nationally funded and regulated intermediary service to ensure that all adoptees and birth relatives have access to skilled, trauma-informed professionals who can support them in navigating contact, reunion, or information-sharing processes safely and sensitively. As part of this process the Government should also ensure 31 that online ancestry tracing and DNA testing sites offer clear support and signposting for people who find out they are adopted, and should consult on whether such sites need to be regulated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73) A dedicated mental health support pathway
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to expand access to funded intermediary services for historical cases and support national virtual peer-support groups, but does not address the regulation of ancestry tracing sites.
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Department for Education
21
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
The Government must introduce a dedicated, trauma-informed health pathway for all those affected by historical forced adoption. This should include improved access to specialist psychological support for birth mothers and adult adoptees, national clinical guidance recognising the heightened prevalence of complex PTSD and suicide risk in these groups, and consistent …
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The Government must introduce a dedicated, trauma-informed health pathway for all those affected by historical forced adoption. This should include improved access to specialist psychological support for birth mothers and adult adoptees, national clinical guidance recognising the heightened prevalence of complex PTSD and suicide risk in these groups, and consistent provision across England through a single national service specification. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to strengthen access to trauma-informed care through existing NHS pathways by co-producing materials, improving clinician awareness, and enhancing signposting. They do not commit to a dedicated new health pathway.
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Department for Education
22
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
Adult adoptees told us that one of the harms they experienced was the loss of their health records. The Government should introduce an adoption marker on health records so that requests for medical history can be sensitively handled and additional screening and testing offered where needed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79) Learning …
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Adult adoptees told us that one of the harms they experienced was the loss of their health records. The Government should introduce an adoption marker on health records so that requests for medical history can be sensitively handled and additional screening and testing offered where needed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 79) Learning and improving practice
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts in principle, committing that NHS England will explore how patients can have their forced adoption experience recorded in health records. This includes improving clinician responses, providing clearer guidance on screening, and enhancing understanding of adoption-related needs.
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Department for Education
23
Recommendation
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Accepted in Part
The Government should commission and fund independent research into historical forced adoption, including quantitative and qualitative studies on outcomes and on best practice for support interventions, to build a comprehensive evidence base that informs future policy decisions and improves support for survivor. (Recommendation, Paragraph 82) 32
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The Government should commission and fund independent research into historical forced adoption, including quantitative and qualitative studies on outcomes and on best practice for support interventions, to build a comprehensive evidence base that informs future policy decisions and improves support for survivor. (Recommendation, Paragraph 82) 32
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Government response AI summary
The government partially accepts, committing to commission a testimonials project and improve how relevant information is recorded within existing systems to build an evidence base. It will take a phased approach to further research, keeping the need for large-scale studies under review.
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Department for Education