Modification of the 1989 Act in relation to adoption
46.—(1) This paragraph applies where —
(a)a local authority is authorised to place a child for adoption; or
(b)a child who has been placed for adoption by a local authority is less than six weeks old.
(2) Where paragraph (1) applies —
(a)section 22(4)(b) of the 1989 Act shall not apply;
(b)section 22(4)(c) of the 1989 Act shall apply as if for that sub-paragraph there were inserted “(c) any prospective adopter with whom the local authority has placed the child for adoption.”;
(c)section 22(5)(b) of the 1989 Act shall apply as if for the words “(4)(b) to (d)” there were inserted “(4)(c) and (d)”; and
(d)paragraphs 15 and 21 of Schedule 2 to the 1989 Act shall not apply.
(3) This paragraph applies where a registered adoption society is authorised to place a child for adoption or a child who has been placed for adoption by a registered adoption society is less than 6 weeks old.
(4) Where paragraph (3) applies —
(a)section 61(2)(a) of the 1989 Act is to have effect in relation to the child whether or not he is accommodated by or on behalf of the society;
(b)section 61(2)(b) of the 1989 Act shall not apply;
(c)section 61(2)(c) of the 1989 Act shall apply as if for that sub-paragraph there were inserted “(c) any prospective adopter with whom the registered adoption society has placed the child for adoption.”.