Explanatory note

This Order brings into force on 1st January 1988 the provisions of the Children Act 1975 and the Adoption Act 1976 which are not yet in force and are specified in Schedules 1 and 2 to this order respectively and the appendix to Schedule 2. The 1976 Act consolidates the law on adoption and repeals the adoption legislation which it consolidates including that contained in the Children Act 1975 brought into force by this Order. The Order does not bring into force consequential amendments or repeal provisions which have been superseded or repealed by subsequent legislation. The 1976 Act as amended does not extend to Scotland.

A note containing the provisions of the Adoption Act 1976 which have been amended may be obtained from the Department of Health and Social Security Store, Health Publications Unit, No. 2 Site, Manchester Road, Heywood, Lancashire, OL1 02PZ.