y. The Gateway also provides information about the local adoption agencies that may be most appropriate for a potential adopter. This updated statutory guidance is another important element in the Government’s programme of reform to support adoption agencies to remove barriers to adoption and reduce delay, and continually improve their adoption services. 1 Selwyn, J., Sturgess, W., Quinton, D., and Baxter, K. (2006) Costs and outcomes of non-infant adoptions, London BAAF. 8 Making the adoption process work well We know how successful adoptions can be. Experience and research has made clear the factors that make the adoption process work well for the child, birth parents and adoptive parents:  actively promoting adoption. The local authorities that are most successful in finding adoptive families for looked after children will generally be those with a very clear care planning process that always considers adoption as a possible permanence option and not an option of last resort;  encouraging people to come forward to adopt. Prospective adopters are important and they must feel valued, respected and supported;  avoiding delay in the adoption process, including starting the family finding process as soon as adoption becomes the plan following a statutory review. Any delay which prevents the needs of the child from being met is unacceptable. Legislation makes clear that delays in coming to a decision, and in the subsequent stages of the adoption process, are likely to prejudice the child’s welfare. Chapters 2-5 and 8 of this guidance are particularly relevant;  taking the fullest account of the views and wishes of the child. This is covered in detail in chapter 2;  placing a child with a prospective adopter who can meet most or all of the child’s identified needs. Any