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NewsCVAA supports calls for an urgent government apology for historical forced adoption

CVAA supports calls for an urgent government apology for historical forced adoption

Following the publication of the Education Committee’s report on the 27th March, CVAA welcomes and strongly supports calls for a formal government apology to those affected by historical forced adoption practices in England. The report lays bare the profound and lifelong harm caused to thousands of mothers, adoptees, and families. It concludes that forced adoption practices involved systemic coercion, the removal of choice, and deep trauma, with consequences that continue to affect survivors. CVAA stands in solidarity with survivors and campaign groups who have fought tirelessly for recognition, justice, and dignity and we commit to support our member adoption agencies in addressing the issues raised in the report.

CVAA CEO, Satwinder Sandhu commented:

The matter of forced adoption right across the UK is one we have been aware of for a long time now and a government apology in England in 2026 is not symbolic, it is essential. The Education Committee has undertaken this inquiry with appropriate diligence and CVAA supports its clear recommendation that the government must issue an unqualified, formal apology to all those affected.

For survivors, an apology is a necessary step in acknowledging the role of the state in enabling practices that caused lifelong harm. As highlighted in the report, many survivors continue to live with shame, stigma, and unresolved trauma and I have personally witnessed this with people I have worked with over the years. The report makes clear that an apology must be more than words — it must be part of a broader process of accountability, redress, and reform. CVAA fully backs the recommendation for an apology to be co-produced with survivors and for this to come with essential funding for support and system reform.

As a sector we must also understand our role in adoption practice and continue to push for change beyond an apology. Whilst practice may have improved, some birth parents and adoptees continue to experience injustice, and our legal construct of adoption is not aligned with human rights legislation. This poses challenges to the whole concept of modern adoption which is primarily for children in care who need permanence outside of family and kinship arrangements.

CVAA is already engaged in thinking about what changes are necessary for the future of adoption through the lens of social justice, and we look forward to working with the adoptees, as well as the sector and government, to help shape a new foundation. Additionally, whilst not the focus of an adoption apology, we cannot separate out this work on reform from the current focus on the support needs of the adoption community itself. It is essential we take a holistic view, but for now we look forward to a formal apology from the government as a critical step on this journey.  

The Education Committee report is available to read here.