l advice, it considers that the conditions set out in section 31(2) of the 1989 Act (conditions for making a care order) are likely to be satisfied, it must apply for a placement order. If it does make this decision, it is required to notify the child’s birth parents or guardian, (including a father without parental responsibility if possible and appropriate) and, if the child is placed for adoption, the prospective adopter. The making of an application for a placement order has the effect of restricting the birth parents’ right to demand the return of the child until the application has been disposed of. 5.46. Even if the child has not yet been placed for adoption, but a decision has been made to place the child with particular adopters, it will be appropriate to notify them of a decision to apply for a placement order. The agency will need to provide support for them and help them to form a view as to whether they would still wish to have the child placed with them if the placement order application is successful. As far as possible they should be given an estimate of the time that may elapse before the outcome of the application is known. 107 5.47. Where the agency is a VAA, it will not itself be able to apply for a placement order. It is required by AAR 38.3 to consider whether it is appropriate to inform the local authority for the area where the child lives, to enable that authority to consider whether it should take action to protect the child, such as applying for an emergency protection order. Life story book: AAR 35 5.48. The child’s life story book helps them explore and understand their early history and life before their adoption. It is important therefore for it to be written in a simple and age-appropriate style and that the language and terms used are ag