Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts

ADOPTION ACT 1993 - SECT 5

    (1)     A person making a decision under this Act in relation to a child or young person, must regard the best interests of the child or young person as the paramount consideration.

    (2)     In forming a view about the best interests of a child or young person, a person making a decision under this Act must take into account the following:

        (a)     the likely effect of the decision on the life course of the child or young person;

        (b)     the child's or young person's age, level of understanding, level of maturity, gender, and personal characteristics;

        (c)     the child's or young person's physical, emotional and educational needs;

        (d)     the views expressed by the child or young person;

        (e)     the relationship the child or young person has with the parents, any siblings and any other relatives;

        (f)     the relationship the child or young person has with the adoptive parents;

        (g)     the suitability and capacity of the adoptive parents to meet the child's or young person's needs;

        (h)     the alternatives to adoption for the child or young person to secure permanent family arrangements.