BAAF submitted evidence to the Special Select Committee on this Bill's predecessor and was also invited to give oral evidence before the Committee. We are pleased to have the opportunity to submit further evidence. This memorandum:

—Draws the Committee's attention to concerns raised in the earlier evidence that remain unresolved, with additional information where appropriate

—Welcomes improvements made to the Bill

—Comments on matters newly introduced into the Bill

—Considers the relationship between the Bill's provisions and the Children Act 1989

In terms of the evidence presented earlier, all of it remains relevant, except parts of paragraphs 11 and 12 of the Memorandum which dealt with dispensation of parental consent, placement for adoption and placement orders. We set out below (paragraph 3) our comments on the relevant provisions in the Bill as it now stands. The other main difference is that clause 110 of the Bill now makes provision for support services for children and families affected by special guardianship orders as advocated in paragraphs 13.2 and 13.3 of the earlier evidence

The two new matters commented on are clauses 53 - 62 and 76 concerning access to information and the amended provisions dealing with the Adoption & Children Act Register (clauses 115 - 119) and the payment of inter-agency fees.