Publication of a report on historic forced adoption

Scotland has recently published its scoping study on forced adoption in the nation. Scotland’s report specifically focuses on ‘practices in the 1950s-1970s “which resulted in newborn babies being unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption, without regard for the mothers’ and children’s needs or wishes”’ and intends to ‘explore support services for people affected by historic forced adoption’, specifically search and reunion, accessing records and the emotional and psychological impact of historic forced adoption. Persons affected described ‘the importance of searching for and reuniting with family members separated by forced adoption. This includes practical support to access the records required to trace family members, to make initial contact and support reunions; and emotional support throughout the process’. They also raised the help they require to understand the circumstances and events that led to their adoption. Whilst the availability of public, private and third-party services is outlined, the scoping study also mentions some of the remaining challenges and the expected next steps for the Scottish Government.

CHIP welcomes that the Scottish Government has joined other countries, which have decided to assume its responsibility in assessing and responding to past irregular practices in care and adoption, including Australia, France, Ireland and Switzerland. The focus on the needs and rights of the persons affected and on the potential responses to be developed, in particular adequate support for search and reunion, access to records and availability of mental and physical health services, is to be encourage as part of the restoration of identity (Art. 8(2) CRC).

Source: Scottish Government (2023). Scoping Study: Historic Forced Adoption – Final Report. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scoping-study-historic-forced-adoption-final-report/.