SAAM’s Contribution to the Scottish Government Scoping Study

 

In early 2023, the Scottish Government invited SAAM (Scottish Adult Adoptee Movement) to contribute to the Historic Forced Adoption Scoping Study — an in-depth research initiative led by The Lines Between to examine the experiences and needs of those affected by Scotland’s historic forced adoption practices.

As a recognised stakeholder, SAAM was proud to represent the voices of adult adoptees across Scotland and the wider UK. Our submission was grounded in direct testimony, community consultation, and the core SAAM Recommendations — a body of work developed by adoptees, for adoptees.

We made clear that the impact of adoption does not end in childhood. For many, the enduring consequences include lifelong trauma, identity loss, complex grief, and systemic invisibility.

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🔍 What We Said

SAAM raised urgent concerns about:

• The complete lack of trauma-informed care and adoption-specific mental health training in NHS services.

• The exclusion of adult adoptees from the wider narrative of “care-experienced” individuals, despite being state-removed children.

• Access to records: a fundamental right too often obstructed by poor practice, gatekeeping, and patchy services.

• The need for truth, autonomy, and informed lifelong support.

We also called for:

• National recognition of adoptees under any future protected characteristic relating to care experience.

• Legal clarity and reform around identity, data access, and the right to revoke or dual-hold adoption status in adulthood.

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🧠 Why This Matters

The final report from the Scoping Study confirmed what SAAM and other campaigners have long said:

• That adult adoptees remain overlooked and unsupported.

• That reunions, access to records, and psychological support are essential — and yet too often inadequate or inaccessible.

• That adoptees must be included in policy, legislation, and practice reforms moving forward.

You can download and read the full report here:
📄 Download the Scottish Government Scoping Study (PDF)
🔗 Or explore key themes and insights below.