Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper has apologised on behalf of the Government to families affected by historical stillbirth burials and cremations.
Until the mid-1980s, some stillborn babies were buried or cremated without their parents' involvement. Families have in some cases been unable to establish where a baby or relative was laid to rest.
Cooper said every NHS trust must provide a dedicated contact through its patient advice and liaison service, or an equivalent named service, within four weeks.
The Government is also distributing guidance produced by Sands explaining where records may be held, which organisations families can approach and what support is available. The guidance acknowledges that some records may be incomplete or unavailable.
Ministers are asking councils and local organisations to examine what records and assistance they can offer. Cooper highlighted existing work in Liverpool, Oldham and Wirral and said the Government would consider the Law Commission's recommendations on burial and cremation law.
The statement was made jointly across the health, housing and justice departments. Cooper said the action was intended to provide practical help while recognising that some families may never receive a complete answer.
