Interim guidelines have been issued
3 Particular Circumstances
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A sole applicant who is not married and is co-habiting with their partner
Under the Act unmarried couples cannot adopt as a couple. One party may apply to adopt as a sole applicant.
The applicant’s partner must provide the same documentation as the applicant (including medical reports and Garda clearances) attend the preparation group with the applicant and participate fully in the assessment.
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A sole applicant who is living alone or with a relative and who is applying to adopt an un-identified child
The sole applicant in this case does not have the benefit of a mutually contributing and supporting person who is equally committed to meeting the needs of the child. Unlike couples who are married or cohabiting, the sole applicant has sole responsibility for the child from the onset.
4 The Five Standards
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4.2 Capacity to provide the child with a family life that will promote his/her development and well being and have due regard to the physical, emotional, social, health, educational, cultural, spiritual and other dimensions
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Sexuality
This issue must be explored in depth even though it may be uncomfortable. The applicant must demonstrate a healthy attitude to sexual relationships and be confident in their own sexuality. They must demonstrate how they will talk to their child about sex and sexuality. The applicant’s expectations of and attitude to their child’s sexual development should be explored.
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Geoffrey Shannon
15 January 2011
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