ABSTRACT
Adoption is a process which legally transfers a child from one family group to another. Adoption law was excluded from the extensive review process which preceded the Children Act because it has been the subject of its own separate review. The Adoption Act 1976 requires all local authorities to set up and maintain a comprehensive adoption service. The Adoption panel is involved in a 'matching process', the broad aim of which is to ensure that the adopted child 'fits in' with his or her new family. All children placed for adoption are subject to the Arrangement and Review Regulations 1991. This means that they must be medically examined and assessed at the time of placement, unless this was done within the previous three months and follow-up examinations are carried out. Reform of adoption is likely to occur reasonably quickly but since many of the proposals could have far-reaching implications, further detailed study is necessary.
