Report suggests over 80% of adopted young people say that society doesn’t understand adoption

A report published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption (APPGAP) reveals the isolation and loneliness felt by many young adoptees.

Eight out of 10 (82%) respondents to the group’s survey said young adopted people are not understood by society or government, and half of adoptees aged 18–25 said they do not feel part of any community that understands adoption. One third said they do not feel confident in their identity or fully understand their own story, despite most saying that adoptees need specialist support to help them understand their past. One young person commented: “There is no space or support for us. I don't think we belong anywhere.”

The inquiry reveals that although adoption is lifelong, support diminishes as young people get older. Many described sharp “cliff edges” in support at age 18, when help often ends just as needs intensify. More than half (51%) of young people said they had sought mental health support but were unable to find help that worked for them as adoptees, often falling between services.

Chair of the inquiry steering group, Siobhan Rhodes, said: “Adopted people have told us what it’s like trying to find their best way through, and their voices were clear. Poor support, inadequate funding and lack of understanding at every turn.

“Adoptees are vibrant, brave and can contribute so much to society. But to unlock their potential they need the right support. Things need to change, and it can’t come soon enough.”