Guidance for Adoption Proceedings and Section 84 ... - Cafcass

3.13 If the child's solicitor, having taken into account the views of the Children's Guardianand any direction of the court considers that:3.13.1 The child wishes to give instructions which conflict with those of theChildren's Guardian; and3.13.2 S/he has sufficient age and understanding, to give such instructions onher/his own behalf.3.13.3 The solicitor will conduct the proceedings in accordance with instructionsreceived from the child. In these circumstances the Children's Guardianmay apply to the court for permission to have legal representation in theproceedings, this would be arranged through CAFCASS Legal 13 .Attendance at Hearings3.14 The Children's Guardian or the solicitor for the child must attend all directionshearings unless the court directs otherwise.3.15 The court must notify birth parents and guardians of the final hearing date of theAdoption Order. Parents and guardians are entitled to attend the court and be heardon whether the Adoption Order should be granted, even if they have not applied forleave to oppose 14 , other than when birth parents request not to be notified, or thechild has been freed for adoption.3.16 The Children's Guardian and child's solicitor should establish during directionshearings what arrangements have been made about the management of the courthearing, such as ascertaining if parents and guardians will attend, and making surethat everyone is safe at the court and their confidentially maintained.3.17 An important aspect of ensuring safety and confidentiality for the child and theProspective adopters is the confidentiality of court reports.3.18 Although any report in adoption proceedings cannot be disclosed, even to otherparties without the permission of the court 15 . The court must consider whether anyinformation should be deleted, for example, information likely to disclose, the identityand/or address of the child or adoptive applicants. The Children's Guardian or CFRshould therefore highlight for the court any information in their report which shouldremain confidential if reports are disclosed, in order to ensure a child is safeguardedand his/her welfare prioritised.13 Rule 16.21 FPR 201014 Rule 14.13 FRP 201015 Rule 77Guidance for Adoption Proceedings Full implementation by 2011 Page 11 of 14and Section 84 Proceedings