JALB, Re

This is an application under Article 57(1) of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (as substituted by Schedule 9 (paragraph 160(1) to the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995) for an order giving parental responsibility for a child to the applicants.

For the words " adoption order" read an " order under Article 57(1) " � see later in this ruling.

Thus the Board or Health and Social Services Trust on whom notice shall be served is the Board or Trust within whose area the applicant has his home at the time of giving the Notice.

Article 22(2) requires the Board or Trust on receipt of such a notice to investigate the matter and submit a report of its investigation to the court and to assist the court in any manner the court may direct. Article 22(3) requires the Board or HSS Trust to investigate in particular the suitability of the applicants and any other matters relevant to Article 9 of the Adoption Order and also whether the child was placed with the applicants in contravention of Article 11 of the Order. Article 9 imposes a duty on the court to promote the welfare of the child.

An Originating Summons seeking an order under Article 57(1) of the Adoption Order was lodged in the Family Division of the High Court on 17 February 2000. Following a directions hearing the application was listed for the purpose of submissions on a preliminary issue, namely, what conditions if any require to be fulfilled by an applicant under Article 57, before a court may consider whether or not to grant the application.