Part 1Adoption

C1Chapter 2The adoption process

Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Preliminary

I1C114C1Considerations applying to the exercise of powers

C21

Subsections (2) to (4) apply where a court or adoption agency is coming to a decision relating to the adoption of a child.

2

The court or adoption agency must have regard to all the circumstances of the case.

3

The court or adoption agency is to regard the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child throughout the child's life as the paramount consideration.

4

The court or adoption agency must, so far as is reasonably practicable, have regard in particular to—

a

the value of a stable family unit in the child's development,

b

the child's ascertainable views regarding the decision (taking account of the child's age and maturity),

c

the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background, and

d

the likely effect on the child, throughout the child's life, of the making of an adoption order.

5

Where an adoption agency is placing a child for adoption it must have regard, so far as is reasonably practicable, to the views of the parents, guardians and other relatives of the child.

6

In carrying out the duties imposed on it by subsections (2) to (4) an adoption agency must, before making any arrangements for the adoption of a child, consider whether adoption is likely best to meet the needs of the child or whether there is some better practical alternative for the child.

7

If an adoption agency concludes that there is an alternative such as is mentioned in subsection (6), it must not make arrangements for the adoption of the child.

8

Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4)(b), a child who is aged 12 or over is presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to form a view for the purposes of that subsection.