The Adoption Agencies (Scotland) Regulations 1996

3.  The adoption agency needs to know whether each of the child’s parents or guardian agrees with its decision that the child should be adopted. If you are a parent and have parental responsibilities and rights in relation to the child, or are a guardian, you are asked to complete a certificate (Annex A enclosed) indicating whether you agree or disagree with the adoption agency’s decision. Agreement is sought in relation to the adoption agency’s decision, and is quite separate from the agreement required by a court (see paragraph 6) in any subsequent application. You should read the certificate carefully, complete Part A or Part B and return it to the adoption agency within 28 days of receipt. This should provide you with sufficient time to take legal advice should you wish to do so. If you agree with the adoption agency’s decision, then the adoption agency will make arrangements to have your child adopted. If you do not agree with the adoption agency’s decision or do not reply within the 28 days then the agency, if it decides to proceed, will make an application to the court to have the matter resolved – the timescales depend on your child’s circumstances, and the adoption agency or your solicitor will be able to advise you of how long this will take. In the event of an adoption application not being possible or appropriate within the timescale required for an application to be made, the adoption agency will apply to the court for an order to have the child declared free for adoption without any further parental involvement. The adoption agency can provide you with further information on this order.