Explanatory note

These regulations establish independent review panels whose function is to review the following determinations made by adoption agency panels: a) a decision not to approve applicants as suitable to become adoptive parents of children in relation to domestic adoption and b) a decision that a prospective adopter is no longer suitable to be an adoptive parent.

The review panel cannot overturn a determination of an adoption agency. It can review the information before the adoption agency panel and request further information. It can then make a recommendation to the adoption agency panel as to the suitability of the prospective adopters. The adoption agency must take into account the review panel’s recommendation when making its final decision as to the prospective adopters' suitability.