C1F1PART 4DUTIES OF ADOPTION AGENCY IN RESPECT OF A PROSPECTIVE ADOPTER
Pt. 4 applied by S.I. 2005/392, reg. 15(1) (as substituted (1.7.2013) by The Adoption Agencies (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/985), reg. 1, Sch. para. 2(6)(a))
Stage 1 – the pre-assessment process
Pre-assessment decision27
1
The adoption agency must, taking into account the information obtained under regulations 25 and 26, decide whether—
a
the prospective adopter may be suitable to adopt a child; or
b
that the prospective adopter is not suitable to adopt a child.
2
Subject to paragraph (3), the agency must make its decision under paragraph (1) within a period of two months from the date on which the adoption agency notified the prospective adopter that they had decided to proceed with the pre-assessment process in accordance with regulation 21.
3
The adoption agency may delay making the decision under paragraph (1)—
a
where it is satisfied there are good reasons because, for example, there has been a delay in obtaining information about the prospective adopter; or
b
upon the request of the prospective adopter.
4
Where the adoption agency decides that the prospective adopter may be suitable to adopt a child the agency must—
a
as soon as practicable, notify in writing the prospective adopter of its decision; and
b
explain to the prospective adopter that they must notify the adoption agency that they wish to continue with the assessment process within six months of the date on which the notification is given.
5
Where the adoption agency decides that the prospective adopter is not suitable to adopt a child the agency must as soon as practicable after making the decision notify the prospective adopter in writing of its decision together with reasons for its decision.
Pt. 4 substituted (1.7.2013) by The Adoption Agencies (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/985), regs. 1, 5