Adoption Guidance - Adoption and Children Act 2002

This statutory guidance explains the content of the different sets of regulations made under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the duties and responsibilities that the regulations place on adoption agencies. Final versions of regulations can be found at Annex H. The main chapters of this guidance are issued under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, which requires local authorities in their social services functions to act under the general guidance of the Secretary of State. As such, the document does not have the full force of statute, but should be complied with unless local circumstances indicate exceptional reasons which justify a variation. The annexes to the guidance are intended as good practice guidance only. The guidance applies to England only.

This guidance applies to both domestic and intercountry adoptions. Where additional requirements relating to intercountry adoption cases apply, these are specifically referred to in the main guidance. Annex C covers additional procedural issues, guidance and the application of domestic law in relation to intercountry adoption cases.

Please note that chapter 8 - court reports - is not yet available, but will be published shortly.

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