ng and matching, see the research An investigation into linking and matching in adoption. 4.5. There are many people who wish to adopt – including those who are not of the same ethnic origin of the children needing adoption or who are of mixed origin, are single or older. Such applicants should be seen by agencies as an opportunity to address more effectively the needs of a range of children who are themselves older, and/or from different backgrounds including mixed and minority ethnic backgrounds. Any practice that classifies couples/single people in a way that effectively rules out the adoption because of their status, age or because 10 Lowe, N., Much, M,. Nader, K., Borkowski, M., Copner, R. Lisles, C. and Shearman, J. (2002) the Plan for the Child: Adoption or Long-term Fostering, London, BAAF. Murch, M, Lowe, N., Borkowski, M., Copner, R. and Griew, K. (1993) Pathways to Adoption, London, HMSO. Biehal, N., Elison, S., Baker, C., and Sinclair I. (2009) A Characteristics, Outcomes and Meanings of Four Types of Permanent Placements - Adoption by Strangers, Adoption by Carers, Long-Term Foster Care and Special Guardianship. Adoption Research Initiative study. Ward, H., Munro, E., Brown, B. (2010) Protecting and promoting the well-being of very young children, Adoption Research Initiative. Selwyn, J., Frazier, L and Quinton, D. (2006) Paved with Good Intentions: The Pathway to Adoption and the cost of Delay, British Journal of Social Work, 36, 561-576. 84 they and the child do not share the same racial or cultural background is not child-centred and is unacceptable. Ethnicity and culture of children and prospective adopters 4.6. The structure of white, black and minority ethnic groups is often complex and their heritage diverse, where racial origin, religion, language a