Adoption Regulation 2015

Before a person witnesses the signing of an instrument of consent, the person must—

satisfy himself or herself as to the identity of the person signing the instrument, and

ensure that the person signing the instrument has been given ample opportunity to read, and understands the effect of signing, the instrument.

Before witnessing the signing of the instrument of consent, the witness is to sign a statement on it certifying that he or she has done the things referred to in subclause (1).

For the purposes of section 185 (c) of the Act, a person must not witness the signing of an instrument of consent by a person who he or she has reason to believe is less than 18 years of age unless he or she is satisfied that a counsellor or other appropriate expert has prepared a report stating that, in the opinion of the counsellor or expert, the person is capable of understanding the effect of the consent.