, for necessary action to deliver the required support. 9.15. The ASSA in a receiving authority will be a key contact for a local authority placing a child for adoption out-of-area. Whilst the placing authority remains responsible for the assessment of an agency adoptive child (and their immediate adoptive family) for three years from the date of the adoption order, in some instances the receiving authority might agree to provide services and recover costs from the placing authority (in accordance with ASR 23). The ASSAs should act as representatives from each authority to negotiate such arrangements. 9.16. Although the ASR applies to local authorities, most VAAs will appoint a person equivalent to an ASSA. Local authority ASSAs will need to liaise with such post holders, in order to coordinate the delivery of a comprehensive adoption support service in the area, and for families that have been approved by VAAs. Skills and Knowledge required 9.17. A condition of appointment is that the ASSA will need to have good knowledge and experience of the adoption process and of the impact of adoption on all those involved. The ASSA should also develop a good knowledge of the relevant services in the area, not only within local authority children’s services, but also within those provided by other relevant agencies. This will include securing strong inter- and intra-agency working in the relevant local area, and ensuring the 169 strategic development and provision of adoption support services in local partnership arrangements. Cross-boundary placements and services for persons outside the area: ASR 7 First three years after an order is made when the child is an agency adoptive child 9.18. ASR 7 is concerned with ensuring that those in need of and eligible for support services rece