o not match the child’s religious persuasion, racial origin, or cultural or linguistic background. The agency must assess a prospective adopter’s ability to parent, and meet the needs of, the child throughout childhood, whether or not they share all or any of those characteristics. Where the child is matched with prospective adopters who do not share those characteristics, the agency must provide them with flexible and creative support as necessary. See Chapter 4 for further information on matching considerations. 3.17. Agencies must not turn away potential adopters because of their age. There is no upper age restriction on applying to become adoptive parents, but there is a minimum age of 21 years. Age is one consideration among many to be taken into consideration. Older and more experienced people could take on the care of older children, provided they will have the health and vigour to meet the child’s varied demands in their growing years and to be there for them into adulthood. Age is also not necessarily linked to general health, fitness and emotional wellbeing. The agency’s medical adviser should investigate and obtain relevant information about a prospective adopter’s health in order to be satisfied that they are able to take on the task of adopting a child and have the expectation of caring for the child through childhood and into adulthood. 3.18. Where an agency declines a registration of interest it should provide the prospective adopter with a clear written explanation of the reasons why, and explain to them the choice of going directly to another agency or to the National Gateway for Adoption for signposting to another agency. 3.19. Where an agency accepts a registration of interest it must set up a case record in respect of the prospective adopter. The reg