Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Adoption Chapter 7 - Miscellaneous
234.Chapter 7 restates with amendment the criminal offences in sections 11 and 57 of the Adoption Act 1976. These deal with restrictions on making arrangements for adoption and payments offered, made or received in consideration of an adoption.  In addition it introduces a new offence which deals with restrictions on preparing reports in connection with adoption. Chapter 7 also sets out who may prosecute offences under the Act.
235.In addition Chapter 7 deals with proceedings in the civil courts. It aligns provision for appeals from the magistrates’ court with the procedure in the Children Act 1989 and makes provision about the hearing and reporting of proceedings under the Act. New provision is made to impose an obligation on the courts when dealing with proceedings for an adoption or placement order to draw up a timetable to ensure that the matter is dealt with without delay. In addition the role of the guardian ad litem and reporting officer set out previously in section 65 of the Adoption Act 1976 is now replaced by a similar role for an officer of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. The Act gives a new right to such officers, in connection with the hearings with which they are involved, to inspect records held by an adoption agency.
236.This Chapter also provides for recognition in England and Wales of adoption orders made in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.