The term Historic Adoption refers to the period between the 1950s and the 1980s, when there were practices in place that resulted in newborn babies being unnecessarily taken away from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption (sometimes referred to as forced adoption).
A couple of quotes from Nicola Sturgeon’s 2023 speech, apologising on behalf of the Scottish Government for historic forced adoption, show why I believe the option of peer support for those affected by historic adoption is essential.
The then-first-minister, in a heartfelt speech, said of mothers who lost babies to adoption ‘The grief, heartbreak and shame of what happened, has been a constant throughout their lives.’
Many mothers, who were told it would be selfish to keep their own child, have had to cope with undeserved stigma and rarely or never have any opportunity to speak with others who understand. Lack of recognition and understanding about the issues among professionals from whom they try to seek support is ongoing.
The speech also acknowledged ‘For the sons and daughters who were taken, the impacts have also been profound.’
It’s not easy for adoptees to be open about their feelings if they perceive a societal expectation that they should feel grateful they were adopted. Discovering that their adoption was against their mother’s wishes can also bring up a lot of complex, difficult feelings.
In the lead up to the 2023 apology, the Scottish government recognised the benefits of peer connections among the mothers and adoptees who they had consulted with. They also recognised that many others affected by historic adoption have never had an opportunity to connect with others, with many not knowing how widespread this experience has been.
In 2023, Health in Mind was brought in to coordinate community peer support for those affected by these past practices. I came to be involved due to my personal experience of historic adoption, and now lead the project. For me, addressing my own situation led me to meet others similarly affected. I also became inspired by the efforts of campaigners in Australia, who have helped greatly with increasing awareness and understanding of the lifelong issues caused by similar historic policies in their country. Through that, I felt encouraged to learn more about the lifelong impact on many mothers, adoptees, fathers and other family members.
I feel strongly that people who have not previously had an opportunity to speak about their experience with others who can truly understand should have the chance to do so if they so wish. What type of support works for each individual is completely personal, and while peer support cannot be a magic fix or undo the harm caused by historic adoption practices, it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and contribute towards a supportive network.
I genuinely feel privileged to be in this role and to be in contact with others who have been affected. Building these connections between people who have this experience in common, something which has often been borne in silence for decades, is an incredible healing experience.
To coincide with Adoption Week Scotland (25 November – 1 December 2024) we will be holding an event in Edinburgh and online to help people affected by Historic Adoption come together in a low-pressure space. At the workshop, participants will be able to make an artist’s book or zine exploring their feelings, share refreshments, and chat with other people affected.