Regulation 27 Pre-assessment decisionF1
England and Wales
The adoption agency must, taking into account the information obtained under regulations 25 and 26, decide whether—
the prospective adopter may be suitable to adopt a child; or
that the prospective adopter is not suitable to adopt a child.
The adoption agency may make a decision under paragraph (1) even if the information requested under regulation 26(b) has yet to be obtained.
The adoption agency must keep a record of any decision made in accordance with paragraph (1A).
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.
The adoption agency may delay making the decision under paragraph (1)—
where it is satisfied there are good reasons because, for example, there has been a delay in obtaining information about the prospective adopter; or
upon the request of the prospective adopter.
Where the adoption agency decides that the prospective adopter may be suitable to adopt a child the agency must—
as soon as practicable, notify in writing the prospective adopter of its decision; and
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.
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.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Pt. 4 substituted (1.7.2013) by The Adoption Agencies (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/985), regs. 1, 5
- F2
Reg. 27(1A)(1B) inserted (temp.) (25.9.2020) by The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/909), regs. 1(3), 3(3) (with reg. 8)
Notes on Part 4
Modifications
- C1
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))