The Adoption Support Services and Allowances (Scotland) Regulations 2009

Circumstances in which adoption allowances may be paid

10.—(1) An adoption allowance is payable to an adoptive parent for the purpose of supporting the placement of the adoptive child or the continuation of adoption arrangements after an adoption order is made.

(2) Such an allowance is payable only in the following circumstances–

(a) where it is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parent can look after the adoptive child;

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

(c) where it is necessary for the adoption agency to make any special arrangements to facilitate the placement or the adoption by reason of–

(i) the age or ethnic origin of the child; or

(ii) the desirability of the child being placed with the same adoptive parent as the child’s brother or sister (whether of full or half blood) or with a child with whom the child previously shared a home;

(d) where such an allowance is to meet recurring costs in respect of travel for the purpose of visits between the child and a relative; or

(e) where the adoption agency consider it appropriate to make a contribution to meet the following kinds of expenditure–

(i) expenditure on legal costs, including fees payable to a court in relation to an adoption;

(ii) expenditure for the purpose of introducing an adoptive child to the child’s adoptive parent; or

(iii) expenditure necessary for the purpose of accommodating and maintaining the child, including the provision of furniture and domestic equipment, alterations to and adaptations of the home, provision of means of transport and provision of clothing, toys and other items necessary for the purpose of looking after the child.