Policy Statement: Apologies for Those Separated by Adoption

Apologies to those separated by adoption that may be forthcoming by governments or churches following the Senate Inquiry into Forced Adoptions in Canada should be based on the Canadian Law Commission report “Apologizing for Serious Wrongdoing” as follows:

Five Points for a meaningful apology:

i) Acknowledgement of the wrong done or naming the offence

ii) Accepting responsibility for the wrong that was done

iii) The expression of sincere regret and profound remorse

iv) The assurance or promise that the wrong done will not recur: and

v) Reparation through concrete measures