The Most Rev. Dr. Phillip Aspinall's Apology for forced Adoption

Anglican Diocese of Brisbane

Apology to survivors of historic forced adoption practices and policies

The Senate inquiry into the ‘Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced

Adoption Policies and Practices’ gathered many accounts of mothers, babies, now

adults, and other family members who courageously described their experiences of

forced adoption. Some of these involved Anglican homes and agencies.

The Anglican Diocese of Brisbane sincerely apologises to the mothers, fathers and

babies, now adults, who have experienced hurt, distress and harm as a result of past

forced adoption practices in homes which operated in the name of the Church. We

are aware that these practices occurred at St Mary’s Home at Toowong and the

Church of England Women’s Refuge in Spring Hill.

The inquiry heard that mothers’ consent to have their babies taken for adoption was

often coerced and, in some cases, was not obtained at all. Often fathers were

excluded completely from this process. It heard that mothers were denied access to

information about their babies, including birth records and information about their

child’s survival or well-being. Those adopted babies have often not had access to

accurate records of their birth and parentage.

With deep sadness and regret, this Diocese acknowledges that mothers suffered

emotional trauma and abuse in these adoption processes. We apologise that they

were subjected to shame, isolation and humiliation while in the care of homes

operated by the Anglican Church. The Church acknowledges that the resulting grief

and loss for both parents and children is ongoing and significant.

We deeply regret that they were not always provided the care, information,

protection and support which these mothers, fathers and children should have

received. We apologise for those failings.

We now constantly review our practices to extend the best possible care and

protection to all whom we serve. We continue to assist those who suffered harm

while in our care in the past. We encourage and support families to thrive and

flourish together.

The Church is committed to providing appropriate assistance, counselling and

support to those who have suffered as a result of its involvement in past forced

adoptions.

Those affected by forced adoptions are encouraged to contact the Brisbane

Diocese’s Director of Professional Standards, Ms Sheleagh White, by phoning

38352266 or emailing SHWhite@anglicanbrisbane.org.au

Dated: 31 August 2012