Support for people affected by historic forced adoption
For adopted adults, birth parents and birth relatives affected by historic adoptions in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Gloucestershire County Council is working in partnership with Adoption West to ensure any mothers, or children who are now adults, impacted by forced adoption practices have access to readily available support.
Between 1949 and 1976 an estimated 185,000 babies in England and Wales were taken from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption due to pressure from their families and society.
The impact of this on women and children should not be underestimated, having lifelong and significantly distressing effects. We have commissioned Adoption West to provide support to adults who were adopted and families affected by forced adoption practices.
Adoption West can support adopted adults, birth parents and birth relatives affected by historic adoptions in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
The Adoption West Birth Links Service works with adopted adults and birth parents to provide:
- Support to apply to the Registrar General for the information needed to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate
- Access to birth record services
- Up to six sessions of emotional support for birth family and adopted adults
- Advice about intermediary services
- Birth parent support groups
To access support please visit the Adoption West website or call 03303 550 333.