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PART IIREQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURE, RECOGNITION AND EFFECT OF ADOPTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND WHERE THE UNITED KINGDOM IS THE RECEIVING STATE

Adoption panel function

7.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the adoption panel must consider the case of the prospective adopter referred to it by the adoption agency and make a recommendation to the adoption agency as to whether the prospective adopter is suitable to be an adoptive parent.

(2) In considering what recommendation to make, the adoption panel–

(a)must consider and take into account all information and reports passed to it in accordance with regulation 6(6);

(b)may request the adoption agency to obtain any other relevant information which the adoption panel considers necessary; and

(c)may obtain legal advice as it considers necessary in relation to the case.