(1)Where on an application for an adoption order the requirements of sections 16(1) and 22(1) are complied with, the court may postpone the determination of the application and make an order [F1vesting the legal custody of the child][F1giving parental responsibility for the child to] in the applicants for a probationary period not exceeding 2 years upon such terms for the maintenance of the child and otherwise as the court thinks fit.
(2)Where the probationary period specified in an order under subsection (1) is less than 2 years, the court may by a further order extend the period to a duration not exceeding 2 years in all.
Textual Amendments
F1Words “giving parental responsibility for the child to” substituted (prosp.) for words “vesting the legal custody of the child in” by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108, Sch. 10 para. 11 (with Sch. 14 para. 1(1))