This Order is the second Commencement Order made under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (“the Act”).

Article 2(a) brings into force on 3rd February 2003 Schedule 3, paragraph 53 of the Act. That paragraph amends the definition of “prescribed” in the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987/2203 (N.I. 22)) so as to enable the Department of Finance and Personnel to make regulations under Articles 53(3B) and (3D) and 54 of that Order.

Article 2(b) brings into force on 3rd February 2003 Schedule 4, paragraph 4(1) of the Act which amends section 9 of the Adoption Act 1976. The effect of the amendment is to enable the appropriate Minister, as defined in the amendment, to make regulations in connection with the regulation of adoption agencies.