This page 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 may be found on the Church of England website and below.
The Church of England has issued an apology to those harmed through homes and adoptions connected to the Church. The Bishops for the Diocese of Oxford have also issued an apology to those harmed through homes and adoptions connected to the Diocese of Oxford.
A statement and reflection from the bishops on historic adoption
The Church of England has issued an apology to those harmed through homes and adoptions connected to the Church. The bishops for the Diocese of Oxford have also issued an apology to those harmed through homes and adoptions connected to the Diocese of Oxford.
“We offer our unreserved apology to those who were harmed through historical adoption practices in homes connected to the Diocese of Oxford. We grieve for the families who have been separated by force and cannot get back what they lost, and who have lived with lifelong consequences. We grieve with the people who were not afforded dignity and choice. Where the Diocese was involved or did nothing to stop the practices that harmed people, we recognise and are deeply sorry for the harm caused.
“All too often, the women who stayed in these homes were made to feel shame. The shame is not theirs, but that of the church, the state and society which took away their dignity and choice.
“Words alone are not enough and cannot undo the harm caused.
“We have made our own enquiries into homes connected to the diocese. But records only paint a limited picture and there is still much to learn. We want to understand what happened and grapple with the deep questions it raises, including reviewing records and listening to the experiences of those willing to share their stories.
“While we cannot undo the harm already caused by forced separation, or the denial of dignity and choice, we want to listen to those affected. We will listen carefully, respond with compassion, and support those who are seeking information, understanding or acknowledgement of their experiences.
“If you are concerned or affected by this news we are sharing information about specialist support on our website.”
Bishop of Reading, The Right Revd Mary Gregory
Bishop of Dorchester, The Right Revd Gavin Collins
Bishop of Buckingham, The Right Revd Dave Bull
Notes to Editor: for media enquiries please contact Amy Bedrock on 07742748167 (Monday to Wednesday), or email the Communications Team (Thursday to Friday) at communications@oxford.anglican.org
Research on forced adoption and the Church of England
It’s likely that the number of mothers and babies connected to Church of England-affiliated homes is in the tens of thousands during the period covered by the research. (1949-1976). However, because of the nature of the records that still exist, it is difficult to verify information from that period.
We are aware of around 12 mother and baby homes that have been connected in some way to the diocese. These are listed below, with their addresses and dates of operation where known. We encourage anyone affected to seek support, Specialist organisations can offer confidential advice, emotional support and help with accessing records. They are listed in the support section below.
Read more about the research and the national apology
Homes connected to the Diocese of Oxford
The research is limited and we have been investigating our connections with homes in the diocese.
We are aware of around 12 homes that are in some way connected to the diocese or churches in the diocese. Some of these homes may have been run by the Diocese or affiliated bodies, or an indirect connection. Please bear in mind that much of the information we’ve been able to gain access to has been partial or incomplete.
Opened in 1918, closed in 1964 and demolished in 1970.
69 and 69A Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks.
Opened 1928 moved to Putnam House.
33 Bicester Road, Aylesbury
York House, 50 Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire.
27 Bolton Avenue, Windsor.
Open by 1964. Closed 1967.
2 Dorset Road, Windsor.
Opened 1925. Closed 1964.
56 Frances Road, Windsor.
11 Sussex Place, Slough.
Opened 1919.
3 Belgrave Place, Uxbridge Road, Slough.
Opened 1919.
3 Belgrave Place, Slough, Bucks.
Opened by 1950.
St Mary’s House/Lawn Upton House, Littlemore.
11 and 12 Clark’s Row, Oxford.
Finding support
The Adoption Contact Register – enables adopted adults and birth relative to register their wish to make contact with one another. Where both parties have registered and consented, the service can help facilitate contact and reconnect family members separated by adoption.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/adoption-records/the-adoption-contact-register
Phone: 0300 123 187
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 qualifies and experiences PAC-UK counsellors and social workers with specialist expertise in these areas.
Phone: 0300 1800 205 (Monday 3-6pm, Tuesday 11am - 2pm and Thursday 1-7pm)
Website: www.family-action.org.uk/pac-uk
Email: advice@pac-uk.org
Phone: 0300 1800 090
Adoption UK
Practical suggestions, information and encouragement with signposting to specialist help.
Website: Information and support service | Adoption UK Charity
Phone: 0300 666 0006
Email: informationsupport@adoptionuk.org.uk
Safe Spaces
Support service providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church.
Website: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Phone: 0300 303 1056
Barnardo’s Adoption Support
Support for adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families
Website: www.barnardos.org.uk/adopt/link-adoption-support-service
Email: referralhub@barnardos.org.uk
Samaritans 24/7
Emotional support for anyone in distress.
Website: www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
Safeguarding concerns
If reading about these issues raises difficult feelings or you need to talk to someone, support is available. The independent Safe Spaces service offers confidential listening and support (please note it is not a specialist adoption‑records or family‑history service). Anyone with a safeguarding‑related concern can discuss this with Safe Spaces, the diocesan Safeguarding team at safeguarding@oxford.anglican.org or access Church of England safeguarding support.