We offer our support to those affected from 'mother and baby homes'
Birmingham Irish • January 20, 2021
A judicial commission of investigation has published a long-awaited report into a network of 'mother and baby homes' that inflicted abuse and shame - with the complicity of wider society - for much of the twentieth century.
The five-year investigation into the homes – religious institutions for unmarried mothers and their children that doubled as orphanages and adoption agencies – chronicles deprivation, misogyny, stigma and in some cases shocking levels of infant mortality, adding up to a blistering indictment not just of the institutions but the wider culture of oppression that sustained them. Most of the homes were Catholic run but a small number were Protestant. The commission also investigated four state-run county homes.
Below is a message from Colm Brophy, T.D. Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, acknowledging the serious mistreatment made to mothers and children born into the institutions, and explaining how they will work to support those left with incredibly painful experiences and scars due to this.
To support those who have been affected in these difficult times and need support in our city, we have also included a contact link to our fellow organisation, icap. Please click here
to view.
Dear Members of the Irish Community in Britain,
On 12 January, the Final Report
of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation was published. This Report acknowledges the serious mistreatment, profound pain, and suffering endured by the former residents of and children born into these institutions, laying bare the dominant role of the churches and a moral code that lacked compassion, and the regulatory failures of the Irish State.
It is a moment for Irish society to recognise a profound failure of empathy, understanding and basic humanity over a long period of our recent past. When single women and their children most needed care, support and protection, they were let down. Many felt they had no option but to leave Ireland to try and build better lives for themselves and their families, most of whom travelled to Britain.
The State Apology
given by the Taoiseach rightly stated that every woman and child who was in an institution is blameless, and deserved so much better than the treatment they received. The lack of respect for their fundamental dignity and rights as mothers and children who spent time in these institutions is humbly acknowledged and deeply regretted. The State had a duty of care to protect its citizens, and failed to do so.
The Government now plans to respond to the recommendations of the Report, and ensure that former residents and children of these institutions are provided with a range of supports. I am committed to working with the Irish Community in Britain to ensure that this response best meets the needs of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes in Britain. This work will take a survivor centred approach, based on engagement with former residents and their representative groups – including the survivor diaspora.
Supporting survivors abroad is prioritised in the new Diaspora Strategy, and my Department will also work to provide financial support through the Emigrant Support Programmes. The 2021 Programme
(which will open for applications on 20 January) is very keen to support initiatives that heal our relationships with emigrants who left Ireland in crisis.
This is a difficult time for women and children who survived the Mother and Baby Homes, and for the wider community of survivors and their families. It is also a challenging time for those of you who support and advocate for the needs of the survivor community. I deeply appreciate those efforts to assist and advise those affected by this shameful period in our history and I am committed to working with you as we undertake a journey towards healing.
With best wishes,
Colm Brophy T.D. Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora
Related useful links:
- icap announcement - Click here
- Government report - Click here
- State Apology - Click here
- 2021 Programme - Click here
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