The existence of a realistic possibility of restoration does not preclude an adoption order; the correct test is whether the advantages of adoption clearly outweigh the benefits of preserving the possibility of restoration. The 'clearly preferable' standard in s 90(3) of the Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) requires adoption to be obviously, plainly or manifestly preferable to any other action, but does not require satisfaction beyond reasonable doubt. Where children have established secure attachments with long-term carers and have a history of disrupted attachments, the impact of continued uncertainty on the security of a well-established placement may outweigh any advantages in preserving the possibility of restoration.
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