(This note does not form part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1983 and the Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991 in respect of Wales.
The main effect of the amendments is to permit local authorities and others to exercise their discretion in considering the suitability of a person to adopt or foster a child where the person has been convicted of or cautioned for an offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm ('assault' in Scotland) committed when they were under the age of 18. Prior to the amendment such a conviction or caution prevented local authorities and others from considering the person for adoption or fostering.