Historical Adoption Practices: Bishop Paul’s statement & appeal for information
Please note: The contents of this page include 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 lower down this page, or you can go straight to support.
The Church of England has been carrying out detailed research work since 2024 in order to understand its historical involvement in mother-and-baby homes and adoption practice. As part of this research, we in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham have learned about the existence of at least nine homes believed to have been affiliated with the Church of England across the diocese, operating between 1949 and 1976.
One of the research project’s aims was to better inform us of the policies and practices of those homes, recognising that some of their historical adoption practices led to hurt, trauma, and the denial of dignity and choice.
Another aim was to understand the Church’s role within a wider societal system shaped by the laws and attitudes of the time. As part of that society, the Church of England helped to create and sustain those attitudes. Although the practices of the time are now in the past, we must ensure that they are not repeated. As a diocese we are committed to engaging with the National Church’s research and to responding with compassion, openness and a willingness to learn.
On Thursday 18th June, Archbishop Sarah issued the following statement and apology, which we as a diocese wholeheartedly endorse. We encourage you to watch the video in its entirety, as it also tells the stories of two people with lived experience of these historical adoption practices.
APPEAL FOR INFORMATION
If you have any information about the homes affiliated with the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and feel comfortable to share it, we invite you to speak to our safeguarding team on historicaladoption@southwell.anglican.org or via our contact page.
Please direct any media enquiries to our diocesan comms team: comms@southwell.anglican.org
FURTHER SUPPORT & RESOURCES
If you would like any further information or support, the following resources and points of contact are also available:
- Church of England resources: www.churchofengland.org/adoption (including resources for those researching adoption history)
- PAC-UK Family Connect Advice Line: 0300 1800 205 (Monday 3.00pm – 6.00pm, Tuesday 11.00am – 2.00pm and Thursday 1.00pm – 7.00pm)
- Adoption UK: Information and support service | Adoption UK Charity or 0300 666 0006
- Safe Spaces: https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/ – independent service offering listening and support (please note it does not specialise in adoption records or family history).