n from the agency after reaching adulthood (see chapter 11). The parent’s independent support worker also has a role to play in encouraging the parents to provide information for the benefit of the child. 2.29. As well as explaining the matters set out in AAR 14, the agency needs to be clear about why it considers the child should not be returned to the parent or guardian and should be placed for adoption. The consequences of the adoption process for parental responsibility, for contact with the child and how this will change if the agency is given authority to place the child for adoption should also be made clear. 2.30. The agency’s counselling should include an explanation that the 1989 Act contact obligations would be replaced by the contact arrangements provided for under the Act and by the AAR if the agency obtains authority to place the child. The agency should also explain the right that the parent or guardian and others have to apply for a contact order under section 26(2) and 26(3) of the Act. 2.31. The agency should offer the parents the services of an independent support worker – someone who can provide advice and support and is either from another adoption agency or adoption support agency or, at least, not a member of the team of social workers who are responsible for the child’s case. Where the parents are opposed to the idea of adoption they may refuse to accept counselling from the local authority that is proposing this plan. In such cases the agency should offer to arrange counselling through another agency, and should also encourage the parents to consult their own solicitor as soon as possible. Where the parents have declined to accept counselling the agency should record this, and details of any offers of counselling it has made, on the child’s case