(1)  The Secretary may consent to the adoption of a child under the Adoption Act 1988 if the child is under the guardianship of the Secretary until the child reaches 18 years of age by reason of –

(a) a care and protection order under section 42(4)(c) ;; or

(b) a similar order made under an enactment; or

(c) an assumption of guardianship by the Secretary under Part 8 of this Act; or

(d) an enactment.

(2)  In deciding whether to consent to the adoption of a child, the Secretary must –

(a) consider the best interests of the child to be the paramount consideration; and

(b) have regard to the principles set out in Part 1A ; and

(c) have regard to the desirability of securing stable living arrangements for the child.