The Adoption Support Services (Local Authorities) (England) Regulations 2003

Circumstances in which financial support may be paid

3.—(1) Financial support may be paid only to an adoptive parent, and only where one or more of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2) exists.

(2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) where the child has not been placed with the adoptive parents for adoption, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parents can look after the child if placed with them;

(b) where the child has been placed with the adoptive parents for adoption, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parents can continue to look after the child;

(c) where the child has been adopted, and financial support is necessary to ensure that the adoptive parents can continue to look after the child;

(d) where the local authority are satisfied that the child has established a strong and important relationship with the adoptive parent before the adoption order is made;

(e) where it is desirable that the child be placed with the same adoptive parent as his brother or sister (whether of the full blood or half blood), or with a child with whom he has previously shared a home;

(f) where the child needs special care which requires a greater expenditure of resources by reason of illness, disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties or the continuing consequences of past abuse or neglect;

(g) where on account of the age, sex or ethnic origin of the child it is necessary for the local authority to make special arrangements to facilitate the placement of the child for adoption.

(3) Before financial support is payable the local authority shall require the adoptive parents to have agreed to—

(a) inform the local authority immediately if—

(i) they change their address;

(ii) the child no longer has his home with them (or either of them), or dies; or

(iii) there is any change in their financial circumstances or the financial needs or resources of the child,

and, where the information is given orally, to confirm it in writing within seven days;

(b) complete and supply the local authority with an annual statement as to the matters referred to in regulation 13(2)(a)(i) to (iii).