The Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) (Scotland) Regulations 2003

Function of the adoption panel

7.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the adoption panel shall consider the case of the prospective adopter referred to it by the adoption agency and shall make a recommendation to the adoption agency as to whether the prospective adopter is suitable to be an adoptive parent.

(2) In considering what recommendation to make, the adoption panel–

(a) shall consider and take into account all information and reports passed to it in accordance with regulation 6(9);

(b) shall give the prospective adopter the opportunity to meet with the adoption panel and discuss the information and reports obtained under regulation 6(9);

(c) may request the agency to obtain any other relevant information which the panel considers necessary; and

(d) may obtain legal advice as it considers necessary in relation to the case.