o the Register, three months after approval, using the Adopter Self-Referral form (AD02). Agency decision – unsuitable to adopt 3.80. If the agency decision-maker makes a qualifying determination, i.e. considers the prospective adopter is unsuitable to adopt during Stage Two of the approval process following a full or brief prospective adopter’s report, the prospective 9 Biehal, N., Elison, S., Baker, C., and Sinclair I. (2009) Adoption Research Initiative study Characteristics, Outcomes and Meanings of Three Types of Permanent Placements - Adoption by Strangers, Adoption by Carers and Long-Term Foster Care. 77 adopter has the right to make representations to the agency or apply for an independent review. In these circumstances, the agency must use the standard letter providing full and detailed reasons for the determination (see Form A). Being considered unsuitable to adopt may have a devastating effect on the prospective adopter who may need help, support and counselling from their social worker during this difficult time. Their social worker should give them a full explanation of why they are not considered suitable to adopt and give them information on what action they can take if they do not agree with the determination. 3.81. The agency must note the prospective adopter’s case record to ensure that no action is taken until after the 40 working day period for making representations or applying to the review panel has expired. After the 40 working day period has expired, the agency decision-maker must proceed to make a decision on the suitability of the prospective adopter to adopt a looked after child. It must also notify the prospective adopter in writing of its decision together with the reasons for that decision. Representations 3.82. Where the agency receives r