Adoption and Children Act 2002 (UK)

Product Information

You would have complete legal responsibility for the child just as if they were your own child or if you have gone through the adoption process including after foster care. This includes where they go to school and authorising any medical treatment. To put adoption law in line with the existing provisions of the Children Act 1989 to ensure the child's welfare is the paramount consideration in all decisions relating to adoption. This means either a Local Authority or a registered Adoption Society. It does not include adoption agencies abroad. The step-parent can make the application as a sole applicant. There is no requirement to apply jointly with the parent of the child. Section 46(3)(b) Adoption and Children Act 2002.

The first stage of the Act dealing with Local Authorities duties to provide an adoption service and support services was implemented in April 2003. The second stage relating to inter-country adoptions came into effect on 1st June 2003 and the third stage relating to Adoption Support Services was implemented on the 31st October 2003. Changes to parental responsibility were implemented on 1st December 2003. The changes to the adopted children register took place on 30th December 2005. Special GuardianshipIn the past children looking for a new home would have been placed with adoptive parents, offered foster parents, or would live with existing family. The amendment to the Children Act 1989, that the Adoption and Children Act includes creates a new option called Special Guardianship. How Special Guardianship worksOne or more people can be appointed as a child’s Special Guardian. This means: b) Information that adoption agencies must disclose to adopted adults on request. ('Protected information')

Ensure that any consent by the natural parents has been given freely and that they understand the effect of their consent.

The birthmother or father still retain the right to decide whether their child can be formally adopted. The adoption agency is to become the single point of access to identifying information as it is believed that they are the bodies best placed to provide the support and counselling needed. However, these provisions will only apply to adoptions that take place after the Act was implemented.

Changes over time for: Section 24

d) A Step-Parent (provided the child has had his/her home with them for at least six months preceding the application). f) The relationship of the child with relatives and "other relevant people" (e.g. the benefits to the child of the relationship continuing, the ability of the relatives to provide the child with a secure home). The Adoption and Children Act 2002 received Royal Assent and therefore became law on 7th November 2002. However, the Act finally came into full effect on 30th December 2005.