The Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) Regulations 2003

Function of adoption panel

26.—(1) The adoption panel must consider the case of the child and make a recommendation to the LA as to whether adoption by a person habitually resident in a Convention country outside the British Islands is in the best interests of the child.

(2) In considering what recommendation to make, the adoption panel must have regard to the duties imposed upon the LA by sections 6 and 7 of the 1976 Act (duty to promote the welfare of the child and religious upbringing of adopted child) and must—

(a) consider and take into account all the information and reports passed to it under regulation 25(2);

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

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