ng the guidance as accurate and helpful as possible to practitioners who will use it on a regular basis. The main changes are:  A new chapter 3 outlining the new two-stage adopter approval process for prospective adopters and the fast-track process for some previous adopters and foster carers.  New guidance relating to “Fostering for Adoption” (chapter 2).  New guidance relating to the adoption register (chapter 3). Cancellation of statutory guidance and circulars The following statutory guidance and circulars are now cancelled:  Adoption and Children Act 2002 statutory adoption guidance first revision – dated February 2011  LAC(2004)27: The Adoption Register for England And Wales: New Arrangements - dated 22 November 2004  LAC(98)20: Achieving the Right Balance – dated 28 August 1998  CI(99)6: Care Proceedings: Amendment to LAC(98)20 – dated 25 June 1999. 5 Foreword by Edward Timpson MP I grew up with many foster children and adopted siblings and I saw first-hand the challenges vulnerable children face. I also saw the huge scope for turning lives around. It is not easy and can put a real strain on families and their relationships but it can also bring immense joy. That is why I want the adoption system to be welcoming and supportive of those people who put themselves forward for one of the most important tasks, that of adopting a child. The Government published ‘An Action Plan for Adoption: Tackling Delay’ in March 2012. The Action Plan set out our intention to make changes to the adoption system in England, not least the very great challenge of speeding up the adopter approvals process without losing any of its rigour. Our aim was to speed up the process for children and to overhaul the service for prospective adopters as well as strengthening local accountabil