Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022

Supplementary

151.—(1) In this group of sections—

“English adoption agency” means “an adoption agency” within the meaning of section 131(1)(za) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002;

“organisation” includes a public body and a private or voluntary organisation;

“the register” means the Northern Ireland Adoption and Children Act Register;

“Scottish adoption agency” has the meaning given by section 144(3) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002;

“Welsh adoption agency” has the meaning given by section 131(1)(ca) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

(2) For the purposes of this group of sections (except sections 144(2) and 148(3))—

(a) a child is suitable for adoption if an adoption agency is satisfied that the child ought to be placed for adoption;

(b) prospective adopters are suitable to adopt a child if an adoption agency is satisfied that they are suitable to have a child placed with them for adoption.

(3) For the purposes of sections 144(2) and 148(3)—

(a) a child is suitable for adoption if an English, Welsh or Scottish adoption agency is satisfied that the child ought to be placed for adoption;

(b) prospective adopters are suitable to adopt a child if an English, Welsh or Scottish adoption agency is satisfied that they are suitable to have a child placed with them for adoption.

(4) Nothing authorised or required to be done by virtue of this group of sections constitutes an offence under section 97, 98 or 99.