SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 2 Amendments of the Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978

18

After section 25 insert—

25A Timetable for resolving question as to whether agreement to adoption order etc. should be dispensed with.

In proceedings in which the question arises as to whether the court is satisfied as is mentioned in section 16(1)(b)(ii) or 18(1)(b), the court shall, with a view to determining the question without delay—

a

draw up a timetable specifying periods within which certain steps must be taken in relation to those proceedings; and

b

give such directions as it considers appropriate for the purpose of ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the timetable is adhered to.