The Family Procedure (Adoption) Rules 2005

SECTION 3 REPORTING OFFICER

When the court appoints a reporting officer

69.  In proceedings to which Part 5 applies, the court will appoint a reporting officer where—

(a) it appears that a parent or guardian of the child is willing to consent to the placing of the child for adoption, to the making of an adoption order or to a section 84 order; and

(b) that parent or guardian is in England or Wales.

Appointment of the same reporting officer in respect of two or more parents or guardians

70.  The same person may be appointed as the reporting officer for two or more parents or guardians of the child.

The duties of the reporting officer

71.  The reporting officer must witness the signature by a parent or guardian on the document in which consent is given to—

(a) the placing of the child for adoption;

(b) the making of an adoption order; or

(c) the making of a section 84 order.

How the reporting officer exercises his duties

72.—(1) The reporting officer must—

(a) ensure so far as reasonably practicable that the parent or guardian is—

(i) giving consent unconditionally; and

(ii) with full understanding of what is involved;

(b) investigate all the circumstances relevant to a parent’s or guardian’s consent to the placing of the child for adoption or to the making of an adoption order or a section 84 order; and

(c) on completing his investigations the reporting officer must—

(i) make a report in writing to the court in accordance with the timetable set by the court, drawing attention to any matters which, in his opinion, may be of assistance to the court in considering the application; or

(ii) make an interim report to the court if a parent or guardian of the child is unwilling to consent to the placing of the child for adoption or to the making of an adoption order or section 84 order.

(2) On receipt of an interim report under paragraph (1)(c)(ii) a court officer must inform the applicant that a parent or guardian of the child is unwilling to consent to the placing of the child for adoption or to the making of an adoption order or section 84 order.

(3) The reporting officer may at any time before the final hearing make an interim report to the court if he considers necessary and ask the court for directions.

(4) The reporting officer must attend all directions hearings unless the court directs otherwise.

(5) Any report to the court under this rule will be confidential.