e aware that an offence may have been committed or is likely to be committed. Coverage of the statutory guidance Chapter 1 describes the structures needed by adoption agencies in terms of the establishment of an adoption panel, the appointment of an adviser to the panel and a medical adviser to the agency, who may write adoption reports, the responsibilities of the agency’s designated decision-maker and how they should approach a case. It also explains the responsibilities of the adoption agency in dealing with the independent review mechanism (IRM). Chapters 2–5 of the guidance broadly follows the path of a looked after child through to an adoptive placement. Chapter 2 explains the duties of an adoption agency where the agency is considering adoption for a child, including babies relinquished for adoption. It makes clear the importance of keeping to the court timetable so that there is no delay for the child. This chapter also includes guidance around Fostering for Adoption. Chapter 3 explains the duties of an adoption agency towards prospective adopters, both before and after approval, but before the placement of a child with them. It requires an adoption agency to direct potential adopters to the National Gateway for Adoption (operating as First4Adoption) or other adoption agencies when they are not needed by that agency, so that nationally the number of prospective adopters can be increased. This chapter requires adoption agencies to ensure that their recruitment strategies do not 11 overlook potential adopters who are older or when their ethnicity and culture is not shared with those of the children waiting to be placed with adoptive parents. Chapter 4 explains the duties of an adoption agency when it proposes to place a child with an adoptive family. It includes g