the decision-maker must take in making the decision. 4.36. The prospective adopter should be informed orally of the agency’s decision within two working days and written confirmation should be sent to them within five working days. If the decision is to make the placement, the agency must write to the child’s parents, including a father without parental responsibility, where his whereabouts are known and the agency considers it appropriate. Other birth 92 family members who have been consulted about the child should also be informed as appropriate. The agency should ensure that the child’s Independent Reviewing Officer is informed. 4.37. If the placement is to proceed the agency must inform the child and explain the decision in a way that is appropriate to the child’s age and understanding. It will also be important to inform the child’s current carers. Where the child was aware of the proposed placement before the decision was made and the decision is not to place them for adoption with a particular prospective adopter, it will also be necessary for the agency to explain the decision to the child in an appropriate way. 4.38. Once a decision has been made that the placement is to proceed, the agency must place on the child’s case record the relevant documents set out in AAR 33.5. 4.39. If the decision is not to make the placement, the prospective adopter does not have recourse (as in the case of a determination not to approve them as suitable adoptive parents) to the Independent Review Mechanism. They are however entitled to a full explanation of the agency’s reasons for its decision, and it is most important that they are offered support at this difficult time. Adoption and paternity leave and pay 4.40. The prospective adopter should notify their employer of their inte