17.—(1) This regulation applies where a child is not subject to a supervision requirement and arrangements for adoption are proposed in respect of him by an adoption agency which is a local authority.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), an adoption agency shall require to make an application for an order under section 18(1) of the Act in relation to the child by the end of the period of 28 days from the receipt of a certificate specified in regulation 14(1)(d) certifying that the parent or guardian does not agree with the agency’s decision, or from the date that the adoption agency proceeds under regulation 15(2) as though such agreement is unlikely to be forthcoming.
(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply where an application for an adoption order has been made in relation to the child.