Historical Adoption Practices

Please note: the following includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. Details of support services are included below.

The Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes. Mother and adoptees who came into contact with these homes have described the profound and lasting impact of these experiences. Published alongside new research into these homes, the apology recognises the impact on people affected and sets out the Church’s commitment to listening, learning and responding with honesty and compassion.

Watch the apology in full here, given on behalf of the Church of England by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally: Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices | The Church of England

The apology follows research by the Church of England into its involvement in mother and baby homes between 1949 and 1976. The findings show that the Church of England was a significant provider of mother and baby homes. Around 185,000 children born to unmarried mothers were adopted across England and Wales during this period altogether, in all contexts.

You can access the full research report here: https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/historical-adoption-practices-report-web.pdf

Finding support

If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone, a range of options are listed below.

Contacting the Church of England in Suffolk

Within the Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, you can speak to your vicar or please email: safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org 

You can find out your local parish details by visiting A Church Near You.

Safe Spaces provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church

Website: safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 303 1056

Contacting the national Church of England 

For all the information in one place, please go to: www.churchofengland.org/adoption

Within the Church of England nationally please email the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

Government resources

The Adoption Contact Register
The Adoption Contact Register enables adopted adults and birth relatives to register their wish to make contact with one another. Where both parties have registered and consented, the service can help facilitate contact and reconnect family members separated by adoption.

Website: gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Phone: 0300 123 1837

Specialist advice

National PAC-UK Advice Line
The National PAC-UK Advice Line provides independent, confidential advice and information for people affected by adoption, special guardianship and other forms of permanent care. The service is staffed by qualified and experienced PAC-UK counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.

Website: family-action.org.uk/pac-uk
Email: advice@pac-uk.org
Phone: 0300 1800 090

FamilyConnect Advice Line
Delivered by Family Action's adoption support agency PAC-UK, FamilyConnect provides information, support and guidance on tracing and reconnecting with family members, the services available, and whether you may be eligible for funding.

Website: familyconnect.org.uk
Email: familyconnect@pac-uk.org
Phone: 0300 1800 205

Adoption UK
Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help

Website: adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service
Information and support service: 0300 666 0006
Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk

Additional services 

Barnardo’s Adoption Support
Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families

Website: barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: link.referralhub@barnardos.org.uk

Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress

Website: samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123

Prayers

Some prayers which may be shared around the publication of the apology, or for private prayer. 

Let us pray for all whose lives have suffered rejection, separation, or grief.
Lord, have mercy.

For all who have carried burdens of shame and fear, that they may know the comfort of God’s love: Lord, have mercy.

For children separated from their mothers, and for all families divided, that God may bring restoration and peace: Lord, have mercy.

For those whose dignity was denied and whose voices were not heard, that they may be honoured and upheld: Lord, have mercy.

For all who carry wounds of body, mind, or spirit, that Christ may bring healing and freedom:
Lord, have mercy.

For the hope of new creation, that sorrow may be turned to joy and every tear wiped away:
Lord, have mercy.

Loving God,
you hear the cry of the afflicted and gather the outcast.
Look with mercy on all whose lives 
have suffered rejection, loss, or neglect. 
Bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted,
assure them of your love,
and grant us grace to walk in the way of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.