Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Adoption Act 1984 - SECT 14

Wishes of child

14. Wishes of child



(1) Subject to this Division, an order for the adoption of a child shall not
be made unless the Court is satisfied that-

   (a)  at least 28 days before the day on which the adoption order is to be
        made the child received counselling from an approved counsellor as to
        the effects of the adoption; and

   (b)  as far as practicable, the wishes of the child have been ascertained
        and due consideration is given to them, having regard to the age and
        understanding of the child.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the Court is satisfied that
counselling is inappropriate having regard to the age and understanding of the
child.

(3) A person who has given counselling to a child under subsection (1)(a) must
provide a written report to the Court.