PART 4DUTIES OF ADOPTION AGENCY IN RESPECT OF A PROSPECTIVE ADOPTER

Requirement to provide counselling and information21

Where the adoption agency is considering a person’s suitability to adopt a child, the agency must —

a

provide a counselling service for the prospective adopter;

b

in a section 83 case, explain to the prospective adopter the procedure in relation to, and the legal implications of, adopting a child from the country from which the prospective adopter wishes to adopt;

c

in any other case explain to the prospective adopter the procedure in relation to, and the legal implications of, placement for adoption (including placement by consent under section 19 of the Act, consent to the making of a future adoption order under section 20 of the Act, restriction of parental responsibility and placement orders) and adoption; and

d

provide the prospective adopter with written information about the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (b) or, as the case may be, (c).