Section 33 - Restrictions on making orders
142.By virtue of subsection (1), a court may not hear an application for an adoption order in relation to a child where any application falling within subsection (3) has already been made by the same applicants and refused by any court.
143.The applications listed at subsection (3) are an adoption order within the meaning of the Act; an adoption order as defined section 46(1) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (adoption orders); an adoption order made, or having effect as if made, under Article 12 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (adoption orders); an order for adoption made in the Isle of Man; or an order for adoption made in any of the Channel Islands.
144.Subsection (1) does not apply where, in refusing the previous application, the court directed that this section should not apply (subsection (2)(a)). In addition, a court may hear an application where it appears that it is proper to do so because of a change in circumstances or for any other reason (subsection (2)(b)).