Episode 173 - Historic Adoption Policy with Dr Michael Lambert

The Adoption and Fostering Podcast

Scott and Al are having a week off! both taking a pause after a busy year and before a busy autumn. So, rather than do nothing we're re releasing a cracking episode from last year that is well worth a revisit.

In this episode we speak to NHS historian Dr Michael Lambert. He has looked at the historic evidence of Government policy to promote and facilitate removal of children from mothers in the post war period. We discuss this as well as the move towards a formal apology from the government as well as from other players in the system at that time. The conversation is revelatory and puts into perspective and questions the idea that adoption was solely driven by society.

Certainly, as a topic it places contemporary adoption in context as well as considering how modern practice still echoes the historical roots of adoption.

The links below will take you to written work, evidence Michael's letter to the movement for an adoption apology:

The birth mother and the evolution of adoption policy and practice in England since 1926 by Dr Jatinder Sandhu

Letter to the Movement for an adoption apology

The right to family life: adoption of children of unmarried women 1949-1976

As always if you’ve experience of adoption, fostering or special guardianship from any perspective personal or professional and would like share that on the podcast please get in touch through the Facebook page, twitter or email us at [e-mail]

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