The Family Procedure Rules 2010 No. 2955 (L. 17)

PART 16 REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN AND REPORTS IN PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING CHILDREN

CHAPTER 9 REPORTING OFFICER

When the court appoints a reporting officer

16.30.  In proceedings to which Part 14 applies, the court will appoint a reporting officer where—

(a) it appears that a parent or guardian of the child is willing to consent to the placing of the child for adoption, to the making of an adoption order or to a section 84 order; and

(b) that parent or guardian is in England or Wales.

Appointment of the same reporting officer in respect of two or more parents or guardians

16.31.  The same person may be appointed as the reporting officer for two or more parents or guardians of the child.

The duties of the reporting officer

16.32.—(1) The reporting officer must witness the signature by a parent or guardian on the document in which consent is given to—

(a) the placing of the child for adoption;

(b) the making of an adoption order; or

(c) the making of a section 84 order.

(2) The reporting officer must carry out such other duties as are set out in Practice Direction 16A.

(3) A report to the court by the reporting officer is confidential.

(4) The reporting officer’s duties must be exercised in accordance with Practice Direction 16A.