After section 3 insert—

“3ZAEngland - joint arrangements etc

(1)

The Secretary of State may give directions requiring one or more local authorities in England to make arrangements for all or any of their functions within subsection (3) to be carried out on their behalf by—

(a)

one of those authorities, or

(b)

one or more other adoption agencies.

(2)

A direction under subsection (1) may, in particular—

(a)

specify who is to carry out the functions, or

(b)

require the local authority or authorities to determine who is to carry out the functions.

(3)

The functions mentioned in subsection (1) are functions in relation to—

(a)

the recruitment of persons as prospective adopters;

(b)

the assessment of prospective adopters’ suitability to adopt a child;

(c)

the approval of prospective adopters as suitable to adopt a child;

(d)

decisions as to whether a particular child should be placed for adoption with a particular prospective adopter;

(e)

the provision of adoption support services.

(4)

The Secretary of State may give a direction requiring a local authority in England to terminate arrangements made in accordance with a direction under subsection (1).

(5)

A direction under this section may make different provision for different purposes.

(6)

The Secretary of State may by regulations amend subsection (3).”

In section 140(3) (subordinate legislation subject to affirmative procedure), for paragraph (za) substitute—

“(za)

under section 3ZA(6),”.