Study to look at long-term impact of Mother and Baby institutions
Blackrock, That Ireland, For In Was County 1998 Operated Their And A Children The Mother Until & From Baby Bessborough Cork, Home 1922 Home Mothers
A new study is to focus on understanding the long-term impact of Mother and Baby institutions here, hearing from both mothers and adult adoptees.
The study is to document the social, psychological, and health needs of those with experiences of Irish Mother and Baby institutions, as well as those who experienced forced family separation.
Researchers at the Centre for Social Issues Research at University of Limerick will collaborate with the HSE’s National Counselling Service on the project.
“Though these experiences are often thought of as being the past or ‘historical’, some mothers and adult adoptees may experience ongoing social, health, and psychological consequences,” said Professor Orla Muldoon, who is leading the research.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the State to consider whether there have been enduring health and social costs for either mothers or babies.
“These institutions represent a dark period in Ireland’s history and it is important now to make sure that those who experienced these institutions are adequately supported.”
The survey includes questions about people’s experiences in the institutions, their lives since leaving the institution, and their current social and health status.
It will also address topics such as stigma and isolation, the treatment they received from the Irish Government, and the lasting trauma associated with these institutions.
The experiences of mothers and adoptees are not well understood, according to Mary Kilcommins Greene of the HSE’s National Counselling Service.
"Recognising this, the National Counselling Service is looking forward to working with the research team at University of Limerick to address this gap.
“We are encouraging people to give their views to inform service development and policy. By gathering information directly from those with experience in these institutions, we aim to create a clearer picture of how people have been affected both positively and negatively by their experience."
Those interested in participating are invited to complete an online survey, where all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. The survey will remain open until the end of January 2025.
Priority support for those participating in the survey will be provided by the HSE’s National Counselling Service.
The study can be found here.