e report is filed with the court without delay. See chapter 1 for guidance on who can prepare the report to the court. 8.45. The principal categories of non-agency adoptions are:  applications by the partner of the parent of a child, ie the parent’s spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner (partner adoptions, but sometimes inaccurately, referred to as step-parent adoptions);  applications by local authority foster carers where the child has not been placed with them for adoption under the AAR; applications by relatives of the child or by private foster carers. Under the adoption support provisions of the Act and regulations, it may be necessary to consider the need for adoption support, and at least to provide counselling, information and advice. 140 Notice of intention to apply 8.46. Sections 42-44 of the Act contain provisions concerning the conditions that will need to be met before a single person or a couple may apply to adopt a child. As for all adoptions, the applicant will need to satisfy requirements as to domicile or habitual residence and age. In addition, section 44 provides that non-agency applicants must give formal notice to the local authority where they have their home of their intention to apply for an adoption order. The notice must be given at least three months and not more than two years before the application is made to the court. On receipt of the notice, the local authority is required to ‘investigate’ the matter with a view to preparing a report to the court. Local authorities need to have procedures in place for responding to notices of intention, and allocating a suitably qualified social worker to deal with the case. The social worker who prepares the report to court must meet the conditions of the ARR (see chapter 1). 8.47. Where prospe