Support for those affected by the Church of England’s historical adoption practices
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.
Responding to the apology, the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley said:
“The publication of this research report by the Church of England, together with its apology, marks an important and necessary moment of truth-telling and accountability. I acknowledge with deep sorrow the pain, trauma and lasting harm experienced by many women and children who lived in Church of England-affiliated homes during the post-war period. For many survivors, these experiences have shaped the course of their lives, and the effects continue to be felt today. No apology can undo the suffering that was endured. However, it is right that the Church listens carefully to those who have shared their experiences, recognises the failures that occurred, and accepts responsibility for the harm that was caused.
“I am grateful to all those who have contributed to this research, and especially to survivors whose courage in coming forward has made this work possible. Their voices must remain at the centre of our response.
“As a Church, we are committed not only to acknowledging the past but also to learning from it. We must continue to ensure that our safeguarding practices are robust, transparent and centred on the dignity, wellbeing and protection of every person.
“Today, we hold in our prayers all those affected by these experiences. We stand with them in their continuing search for justice, healing and recognition.”
If you have been affected by this please find help and support 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
If you have been affected by this news or would like to speak to someone in the Church of England, you can speak to your vicar. You can find out your local parish details by visiting A Church Near You.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
More information and resources can be found 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.