The Church of England has published its research report and issued an accompanying apology for the pain and trauma experienced – and still carried – by many women and children in Church of England affiliated homes in the post-war period. If you have been affected by this please find help and support below. You can read the apology issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury here.
Responding to the apology, the Bishop of Durham, Rick Simpson said:
“The Church of England has apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes across the country dating back to the late 1940s. These practices reflected a wider system at the time shaped by social attitudes and legislation which often stigmatised unmarried mothers. The apology reflects the deep sorrow felt by senior church leaders for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced, and still carried, by the many people affected. As Bishop of Durham, I welcome Archbishop Sarah’s statement and likewise unreservedly apologise for any hurt or harm caused in any of the homes associated with the Diocese of Durham.
“Along with Archbishop Sarah, I also recognise the dedicated work of all those who have sought in good faith to provide the best care and support possible for mothers, adoptees and families affected by adoption.
“I would urge anyone affected to seek specialist support; contact details are listed below. I pray for all those still living with these long-lasting experiences and join with the Archbishop of Canterbury in demanding that these practices must never be allowed to happen again."
If you have been affected by this please find help and support and below.
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: https://www.gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register 5
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 www.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 www.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: https://www.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: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: link.referralhub@barnardos.org.uk
Samaritans 24/7 (emotional support for anyone in distress)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org Phone: 116 123
Contacting the Church of England
Safe Spaces (Support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church) Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk Helpline: 0300 303 1056
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
The Church of England resources and support are available at churchofengland.org/adoption
Prayers
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.