Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
8th Report - Historical Forced Adoption
Education Committee
HC 1713
Published 27 March 2026
Government response
2nd Special Report - Historical Forced Adoption: Government Response · published 9 Jul 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We are in agreement as a Committee that the survivors’ testimony, which was a formal...
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Education
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2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it is estimated that around...
Conclusion
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, …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Education
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3
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Survivors of forced adoption must not have to repeat, in public, their harrowing stories anymore.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Education
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19
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Beyond this, it was clear from our evidence that as well as safeguarding and maintaining...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Education
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