The Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

Duty of adoption panel in respect of a proposed placement

27.—(1) The adoption panel must consider the proposed placement referred to it by the HSS trust under regulation 23(2) and make a recommendation to the HSS trust as to whether–

(a) the Convention prospective adopter is a suitable adoptive parent for the child; and

(b) the proposed placement is in the best interests of the child.

(2) In considering what recommendation to make under paragraph (1), the adoption panel–

(a) must have regard to the child’s upbringing and his ethnic, religious and cultural background;

(b) must have regard to the duties imposed upon it by Article 9 of the 1987 Order (duty to promote welfare of child);

(c) must have regard to the Article 15 report and the documents referred to it under regulation 26(5);

(d) may request the HSS trust to obtain any other relevant information which the panel considers necessary; and

(e) may obtain legal advice as it considers necessary in relation to the case.