 with any other type of planning for a child, it is essential to involve the parents and others who are important to the child. In addition to the consultation that is required under the 1989 Act, AAR 14 imposes a particular duty in respect of counselling and the provision of information when adoption is being considered. Although the Act does not require the formal consent of the child’s father (where he does not have parental responsibility) to adoption or placement for adoption, if it is practicable and consistent with the child’s welfare, the agency must provide the father with counselling and information. Where the father’s identity and whereabouts can be ascertained it should be rare for the agency to decline to offer him information and counselling. See paragraphs 34-43 for those cases where a mother wishes to conceal from the father the child’s birth, or her desire for adoption. In addition, it will be important for the sake of the child’s future to have gathered as much information as possible, from both sides of the family. 2.28. The information to be provided to parents under AAR 14 includes written information, and information about the legal implications of adoption, and the processes involved. Agencies should give the parents opportunities to discuss and 39 to ask questions. It is important that social workers help parents to understand that information they can provide about the child’s and their own background and history will be valuable to the child as they grow up. It would be ideal if their consent can be obtained to the sharing of information with the child in the future, e.g. when they seek information from the agency after reaching adulthood (see chapter 11). The parent’s independent support worker also has a role to play in encouraging the parent