The Law in Northern Ireland

Some of the documents linked to on this page are in the pdf format.

To read pdfs you will need Acrobat Reader (download free from Adobe).

> Legislation - Acts
> Legislation - Regulations

Legislation - Acts

Adoption and Children Act 2002

Applies to England and Wales, although some sections apply to Scotland and a small number to Northern Ireland

The Adoption and Children Act 2002 received Royal Assent in November 2002 and modernises the whole existing legal framework for domestic and intercountry adoption. It also introduces a new legal order, special guardianship, which offers legal permanence for children for whom adoption is not suitable.

See more about the Act and implementation timetables >>

Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987

Applies to Northern Ireland

• This Order establishes the arrangements necessary for adoption, and the care and protection of children waiting to be adopted.
  www.hmso.gov.uk
• Children’s NI Order 1995

Legislation - Regulations

• Adoption Agencies (NI) Regulations 1989
• The Arrangements for Placement of Children (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996
  http://www.northernireland-legislation.
  hmso.gov.uk