Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices

On Thursday 18 June, the Archbishop of Canterbury made a public apology on behalf of the Church of England for its role in historical adoption practices in mother and baby homes affiliated to the Church.

Mothers and adoptees who came into contact with these homes have described the profound and lasting impact of their experiences. Published alongside new research into the homes, the apology recognises the impact on those affected and sets out the Church’s commitment to listening, learning and responding with honesty and compassion.

The full apology and the accompanying research are available on the Church of England website: Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices.

Please note: The apology includes 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 below.

Mother and baby homes in the Diocese of Salisbury

Four mother and baby homes were in operation in the Diocese of Salisbury during the period in question, 1949 – 1976*. These were: 

Girls’ Hostel, Devizes: open 1945 – 1973

St Gabriel’s Home, Weymouth: open by 1940; removed from Register of Charities 2000

St Monica’s, Poole: open 9 December 1944 – 31 December 1964

Hope House, Salisbury: open by 1949, closed 1954

*The period 1949 to 1976 reflects the definition used by the Joint Committee on Human Rights, which examined adoption practices affecting unmarried mothers and their children during these years, which were bookended by landmark adoption legislation. 

The Right Revd Karen Gorham, Acting Bishop of Salisbury, said: 

“Alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, I express my sorrow for the pain, trauma and stigma experienced - and still carried - by many people because of historical adoption practices in homes affiliated to the Church of England. This pain is still felt by many people today and has profoundly affected the course of their lives. 

“The scarcity of surviving archival records has, at a distance of over 50 years, made it extremely challenging to establish the experiences of mothers and adoptees in the four mother and baby homes that operated in our diocese. The voices of those affected are also sadly missing. However, based on accounts from other parts of the country, we know it is likely that women and children would not always have been treated with the compassion or respect they deserved. 

“This all took place at a different time; in a society that often valued secrecy and respectability above individual need; and where well-meaning responses so often lacked compassion and care. The Church was part of that society. These practices are in the past and will never happen again. I sincerely urge anyone connected with the historic mother and baby homes in the Diocese of Salisbury affected by their experiences or by the memories that this apology has brought to the surface, to contact the support services that are available.” 

Services of Reflection

There will be two simple, services of reflection, one at St John's Church, Devizes (SN10 1NP) and one at St Peter's Church, Parkstone (BH14 0NN). Both services will be held on Sunday 19th July 2026 at 3pm. Order of Service available for the services here.

Where to find support

If you have been affected by this news and need to speak to someone or seek support, there are a number of specialist organisations that can provide support and advice.

National PAC-UK Advice Line

The National PAC-UK Advice Line provides independent, confidential advice and information for people affected by adoption, special guardianship and other forms of permanent care. The service is staffed by qualified and experienced PAC-UK counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.

Website: www.family-action.org.uk/pac-uk

Email: advice@pac-uk.org

Phone: 0300 1800 090

FamilyConnect Advice Line

Delivered by Family Action's adoption support agency PAC-UK, FamilyConnect provides information, support and guidance on tracing and reconnecting with family members, the services available and whether you may be eligible for funding.

Website: www.familyconnect.org.uk

Email: familyconnect@pac-uk.org

Phone: 0300 1800 205

Adoption UK

Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help.

Website: www.adoptionuk.org/information-and-support-service

Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk

Phone: 0300 666 0006

These organisations also provide additional services.

Barnardo’s Adoption Support

Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families

Website: www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service