Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Adoption Chapter 3  - Placement for Adoption and Adoption Orders Section 40: Other non-agency cases
124.In these cases where notice of intention to adopt has been given or leave has been applied for under section 42(6) and the application has not been disposed of, the child may only be removed with the leave of the court, by a local authority or other person acting under statutory powers (other than section 20(8) of the Children Act 1989).