CCS’s Response to the Government Apology

On Forced Historic Adoption Practices

As CEO of CCS Adoptions, I welcome the Government’s apology on 2 July 2026 for historic forced adoption practices, which affected at least 185,000 birth mothers and adopted people between 1949 and 1976. This apology is long overdue, and I want to acknowledge the courage, persistence and campaigning of birth mothers, adoptees and others who worked for many years to bring this about. For many, the harm has been profound and lifelong, affecting not only those directly impacted but also their families and descendants.

We recognise the deep injustice caused by historic forced adoption, including the lack of consent, the trauma experienced by birth families, the loss of identity and information for adoptees, and the lasting separation from family relationships. We also recognise that this apology has come too late for some people who did not live to hear it.

CCS Adoptions is grateful that this apology has now been made. We welcome the Government’s commitment to funding support for those affected, while recognising that more detail is still needed about how this support will be delivered and when it will become available. We also encourage anyone seeking information about their records to contact the agency that arranged their adoption.

People adopted through CCS can find relevant guidance and details on our website:

— For Adoptees

— For Birth Family Members

As an organisation with a long history, we reflect seriously on the part adoption agencies and institutions have played across different decades. In 2026, CCS is committed to learning from the voices of adoptees and birth families, keeping identity, information and relationships at the centre of our practice, and continuing to shape our work in line with research, reflection and good practice.

Emma Simpson

CEO

Further Support

— FamilyConnect, delivered by our associate member PAC-UK, offers confidential support, including counselling, record tracing, and help with reunification. Contact: 0300 1800 205

— CoramBAAF, part of CVAA member Coram Group, manages the Adoption, Search and Reunion website which helps adopted people find out where their records might be held. Later in the year, in partnership with the Archive and Records Association, it will launch a new platform with extended information to give further support to those who are care-experienced or adopted to access their records.