After section 12, insert—

“Other support for adoptions

12ADuty to promote peer support services

(1)

Where peer support services are available in a local authority’s area for persons mentioned in section 1(3), the local authority must take reasonable steps to promote awareness of, and encourage the uptake of, such services by such persons throughout the adoption process and after any adoption has taken place.

(2)

In subsection (1), “peer support” means support in relation to adoption that is provided by persons with lived experience of the adoption process.”.