 report is not the same as an assessment of prospective adopters under the AAR, but some of the practice guidance Preparing and assessing prospective adopters may be a helpful resource for the writer of the report. The prospective adopter can be encouraged in appropriate cases to complete some of the information needed themselves, although it is the responsibility of the social worker writing the report to check this. 8.114. Where the child is of sufficient age and understanding, the report writer must also explain to them in appropriate terms the purpose of the report and the importance of expressing their own views, wishes and feelings for inclusion in it. It will be important to provide appropriate material to help the child to understand the nature and effect of adoption. 8.115. The amount of background information about the child and birth family that the prospective adopter themselves hold will vary. Information provided by them, or by the parent of the child whose partner is applying to adopt, will need to be checked with information provided by the child’s birth parent (or other parent in the case of a partner adoption) or members of the child’s wider family. In some cases, the report may prove to be the only source of information available to the child on reaching adulthood so that its contents have an importance beyond the immediate task of providing information to the court. 8.116. It will be necessary to ascertain early on after the prospective adopter has given notice of their intention to apply to adopt whether they have informed the birth parent (or other parent) of their intention. If they have not done so, the social worker will need to explain the contribution from the (other) birth parent that will be needed, and discuss with the prospective adopter w