lations with regard to access to information and intermediary services in respect of adoptions which took place before 30 December 2005, when the Act came into force. Chapter 11 contains guidance on the provisions regarding the management and disclosure of adoption information in respect of adoptions where the order was made on or after 30 December 2005. Chapter 12 explains the Registrar General’s role in respect of the Adopted Children and Adoption Contact Registers, and provides guidance on agencies’ duties in respect of the provision of counselling for those seeking intermediary services or access to information post adoption. 12 Chapter 13 covers adoptions with a foreign element. Annex A lists offences and penalties under the Act and regulations. Adoption Research Initiative (ARI) Over the years, there has been a wealth of research conducted on adoption. In 2004, the Department for Education and Skills commissioned further research through the Adoption Research Initiative. The research evaluated the implementation of the Act and its impact on outcomes for children. The seven research studies, outlined below, focused on permanence planning and decision-making, linking and matching, adoption support and adoption costs. The characteristics, outcomes and meanings of four types of permanent placement This study compared four types of permanent placement for looked-after children: carer adoption, stranger adoption, long-term foster care and Special Guardianship. It also investigated the outcome of placements for children for these various types of placements, except those for Special Guardianship. The research provided new data on which children, in which circumstances may benefit from each type of placement. Protecting and promoting the well-being of very young children.