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 F1giving parental responsibilities and parental rights to the applicants for a probationary period not exceeding 2 years upon such terms for the aliment of the child and otherwise as the court thinks fit.

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.