Regulation 13 Adoption agency decisions

Where an adoption agency receives a recommendation from an adoption panel, following a referral, on a matter under regulation 6(2)(a), (b) or (e), the agency must make a decision on that matter within 14 days from the date of the recommendation.

No member of the adoption panel which made the recommendation is to take part in the decision.

On making its decision under paragraph (1) the adoption agency must take into account the recommendation of the adoption panel.

Where an adoption agency makes a decision that is contrary to the recommendation of the adoption panel the adoption agency must record in writing the reasons for its decision.

Paragraphs (6) and (7) apply where the child to whom the decision under paragraph (1) relates is subject to a supervision requirement.

For the purpose of determining whether it is satisfied in accordance with section 73(4)(c)(i) or (v)^f1 of the 1995 Act (duration and review of supervision requirement) that the best interests of the child would be served by an application for a permanence order or their placing the child for adoption an adoption agency which is a local authority must take into account any recommendation of the adoption panel under regulation 6(2) before making the decision.

For the purpose of determining under section 106 of the Act (child subject to supervision requirement: duty to refer to Principal Reporter) whether the best interests of the child would be served by placing the child for adoption a registered adoption service must take into account any recommendation of the adoption panel under regulation 6(2) before making the decision.