Adoption Regulations 2016

In this regulation – report writer means – in the case of an accepted applicant recorded on the register of accepted applicants maintained by the Secretary, an officer of the Department; or in the case of an accepted applicant recorded on the register of accepted applicants maintained by the principal officer of an approved agency, the principal officer or a person on the staff of that approved agency who has one of the qualifications referred to in regulation 6(3).

A report writer must prepare an assessment report on an accepted applicant within 12 months after the accepted applicant's name is recorded on the register of accepted applicants. Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

An assessment report is to include – whether or not the accepted applicant satisfies the prescribed requirements under regulation 18; and any additional information concerning the accepted applicant that the report writer considers relevant; and a statement relating to the suitability of the accepted applicant to adopt a child, either generally or in a particular case; and the capacity of the accepted applicant to care for a child; and the capacity of the accepted applicant to meet the physical, emotional, educational and developmental needs of a child in an appropriate and sustained manner; and if an accepted applicant wishes to have a child with special needs, or of a particular age or cultural background placed in their care with a view to adoption, the capacity of the accepted applicant to meet the particular needs of such a child; and any other information regarding any other matter which the report writer considers relevant to – the assessment of the accepted applicant's suitability to adopt a child; and the suitability of the accepted applicant to have a child placed with him or her with a view to the adoption of that child.

A report writer must provide a copy of an assessment report at the time that it is prepared to the accepted applicant in respect of whom the assessment report is made. Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

Within 7 days after receiving a copy of an assessment report under subregulation (4), an accepted applicant may provide written comments on any matter contained in the assessment report to the report writer.

A report writer must provide the Secretary or relevant principal officer with a copy of the assessment report and any written comments provided under subregulation (5) within 21 days after – he or she receives the written comments; or the assessment report is provided to the accepted applicant – whichever first occurs. Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.