Historic Adoption Support

Between the 1950s and the 1980s in Scotland, historic adoption practices, often called forced adoption, led to thousands of unmarried mothers having newborn children permanently removed and adopted out. These adoptions occurred without regard to the wishes of the mothers, and often took place without consent or through coercion. 

The Scottish Government has since recognised the trauma inflicted on both the mothers (often called birthmothers or birthparents) and the children adopted out under these practises. 

If you’re one of the thousands of people impacted by this you may have experienced some of the following: feelings of unresolved grief, loss and trauma, struggles with identity, and fear of rejection. Some may experience difficulties with relationships or with their mental health. While there are commonalities, each person’s experience is unique. 

Counselling, also known as psychotherapy, provides a safe and confidential space to talk with trained counsellors about your feelings, thoughts and experiences. 

Counselling can help you understand yourself better, work through challenges, and find ways to cope and make positive changes in your life. It can lead to greater self-awareness and improved wellbeing.  

This service offers up to 6 months of weekly counselling sessions to people who have been affected by Scottish historic forced adoption practices. Counselling sessions can currently take place in our premises in Edinburgh, online or over the phone.  

Counselling is delivered by one of our qualified, accredited counsellors, who have received specific training around historic forced adoption practices and trauma.  

Please note that there is a waiting list for the service. If you have any questions or are interested in accessing support, please get in touch.  

We currently have three peer support groups which each meet once a month:

• Mother’s Group in Glasgow city centre from 2-3:30pm on the 1^st Tuesday of the month
• Adoptee’s group which meets Online (Zoom) on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month
• Mixed Group in Edinburgh city centre from 2-3:30pm on 4^th Tuesday of the month

Please get in touch if you would like to sign up for any of the groups – we would be delighted to hear from you.

We would love to hear from you!

You can register your interest or get in touch by:  

• Calling 0131 225 8508 from 9-5 Monday-Friday
• Emailing historicadoption@health-in-mind.org.uk  
• Filling out our support enquiry form – noting your interest in finding out more about historic adoption support  
• Writing to us at: Health in Mind, Suite G2, Links House, 15 Links Place, Edinburgh EH6 7EZ.

You’ll hear back from us within 10 days.  

We have a newsletter that will be sent out a couple of times per year. We use this platform to update you around the historic forced adoption services that we offer, resources and community stories from people impacted by these practices.  

If you or someone you love has been affected by historic adoption practices, or you want to learn more about the issue, please sign up for our newsletter below.  

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