Apology to those impacted by former forced adoption

Public statement of apology to those impacted by forced adoption

Melbourne City Mission (MCM) apologises to mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, carers, and children who were impacted by forced adoptions in the care of MCM.

MCM operated Hartnett House (formerly the Melbourne City Mission Maternity Home) in Brunswick from the early 1900s until the 1980s as a home for young mothers. It was initially situated in rented premises in East Brunswick, moving to Albion Street Brunswick in 1903. We know that many mothers at Hartnett House were forced to give up their babies for adoption. This practice was unethical and, in many cases, illegal and caused immense harm to mothers, fathers, children and their broader families.

Mothers were often coerced or misled into surrendering their children, with their voices silenced throughout the process. Consent provisions under Victoria’s adoption laws were consistently contravened, including the right of mothers to revoke their consent within 30 days. Mothers were consistently not informed of their legal rights, and the Victorian Government and organisations did not adequately protect these rights. Mothers also reported being given drugs that impaired their ability to give fully informed consent.

The forced separation from children has caused emotional pain, grief, and unresolved trauma that has persisted throughout mothers’ lives. Societal judgment against unmarried mothers exacerbated feelings of isolation, guilt, and worthlessness. Many mothers have suffered long-term psychological challenges, including post-traumatic stress, depression, and struggles with self-esteem and emotional detachment. For many mothers, their lives were significantly impacted, with educational and career opportunities forfeited, and personal relationships often strained or built around secrecy.

We recognise the trauma, grief and pain experienced by mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, carers, and children that was caused as a result of forced adoption. We acknowledge the significant life-long impacts the practice of forced adoption has had on individuals and families.

We are sorry for the harm and damage caused and we are sorry for the pain and trauma that continues to be felt today.

We acknowledge the impact on children who were forcibly removed from their mothers and fathers, and we recognise the loss and grief that has persisted throughout their lives. We also acknowledge the pain experienced by fathers who were denied the opportunity to care for their children.

MCM recognises the courage of the mothers who have come forward to tell the truth about their experiences and we are committed to ensuring that such practices are never repeated. We also acknowledge that some mothers may not choose to come forward about their experiences and we respect these choices.

We consider all forms of abuse to be intolerable and inexcusable under any circumstances. We recognise the lifelong impact that abuse and trauma may have on the health and wellbeing of individuals, their families, and communities.

In seeking to address the wrongs of the past, alongside being able to assure survivors that we are doing everything possible to ensure the protection of all people in our care, we are also paving the way for what we sincerely hope is a better future for survivors, ensuring that we learn from the past and protect all people in our care, long into our future.

MCM recognises that acknowledging and understanding the pain and trauma of forced adoption is a critical aspect of healing and recovery.

We offer mothers, fathers, and children impacted by forced adoption:

• the opportunity to meet with the Chair and CEO of MCM to be acknowledged, heard and receive an apology in person and/or in writing;
• support with referral to specialist services that may assist with counselling and psychological care; and
• assistance and advice in accessing personal records that related to Hartnett House or Swinborn Lodge (a home for girls operated by MCM from the 1957 to 1986).

MCM also supports the Victorian Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme and encourages survivors to access this scheme. MCM is committed to working with the Victorian Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme to provide a timely and trauma-informed response to survivors.

If you wish to contact MCM about our response to the past practices of forced adoption, please email ceo-office@mcm.org.au.