Circumstances in which financial support can be paid

11.—(1) Financial support can be paid only to an adoptive parent, and only where one or more of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2) exists.

(2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are —

(a) where the child has not been placed with the adoptive parent for adoption, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parent can look after the child if so placed;

(b) where the child has been placed with the adoptive parent for adoption, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parent can continue to look after the child;

(c) where the child has been adopted, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parent can continue to look after the child;

(d) where the local authority is satisfied that the child has established a strong and important relationship with the adoptive parent before the adoption order is made;

(e) where it is desirable that the child be placed with the same adoptive parent as a brother or sister (whether of the full blood or half blood), or with a child with whom the child has previously shared a home;

(f) where the child needs special care which requires a greater expenditure of resources by reason of illness, disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties or the continuing consequences of past abuse or neglect;

(g) where on account of the age, sex or ethnic origin of the child it is necessary for the local authority to make special arrangements to facilitate the placement of the child for adoption.

(3) Before financial support is payable the local authority must require the adoptive parents to have agreed to —

(a) inform the local authority immediately if —

(i) they change their address;

(ii) the child’s home is no longer with them (or either of them), or the child dies; or

(iii) there is any change in their financial circumstances or the financial needs or resources of the child;

(b) and, where the information is given orally, to confirm it in writing within seven days;

(c) complete and supply the local authority with an annual statement of their financial circumstances and the needs and financial circumstances of the child.