 record kept under the 1989 Act or the equivalent record kept by a voluntary agency accommodating a child under section 59(1) of the 1989 Act. This is despite the fact that the information contained in the latter will form the first documents included within the adoption case record. Counselling and informing the child: AAR 13 2.22. As far as is reasonably practicable – which will of course be influenced by the age and understanding of the child – the agency must ensure that the child is provided with counselling and information about adoption (including written information) in accordance with AAR 13. This details particular aspects that must be considered with the child. Local authorities are required by regulation 3 of the Local Authority Adoption Service (England) Regulations 2003 to have a Children’s Guide which will be useful for this purpose. 2.23. Counselling should help a child – subject to age, background and development – to understand over time what adoption would mean for them now and in the longer term. The child should be helped to understand why the agency considers they should not stay with their own family or current carer and why adoption is the preferred option for their permanence. They also need to know about the implications adoption may have for contact with their parents, brothers and sisters, wider family members and others. 2.24. English will not be the first language for some children, while others may have communication or learning impairments. Agencies must ensure that someone who can communicate easily with the child provides the counselling. Counselling also needs to be given in a way that is sensitive to the child's religious beliefs or other 38 values and in an environment where the child is able to talk and ask questions in a way that e