dren. That is why the legislation makes clear that delay in coming to decisions, and in the subsequent stages of the process, is likely to prejudice the child’s welfare. Research1 shows that delay in the adoption process can have negative consequences for the child’s psychosocial outcomes and reduces the likelihood of finding an adoptive family. The Government made clear in An Action Plan for Adoption: Tackling Delay (March 2012) how much it values prospective adopters: without them children who need an adoptive family would not be placed. We need more adoptive families, and we particularly need more who can meet the needs of children with complex needs. We also need adopters who are willing and able to consider Fostering for Adoption (see Chapter 2 paragraphs 2.5 - 2.8 and Chapter 3 paragraphs 3.55 and 3.56). At the heart of the Government’s adoption reform programme is a new, shorter two-stage approval process for prospective adopters. The aim of this process is to allow potential adopters first to learn more about adoption, and then to move quickly through the approval process. Whilst remaining rigorous, the new approval process is time-bound and ensures that prospective adopters have a greater role in the process. There is also a fast-track process for some previous adopters and approved foster carers. The new approval process is supported by the National Gateway for Adoption operating as First for Adoption (F4A). The Gateway was established to provide clear and objective information to anyone interested in adoption. The aim is to ensure that potential adopters are better informed before they approach an adoption agency. The Gateway also provides information about the local adoption agencies that may be most appropriate for a potential adopter. This updated statutor