Step two. Assessing readiness to adopt

Upon receipt of the above documents, the territorial division of the Service shall assess:

* whether You have been declared by a court to be incapacitated or to have limited capacity;

* whether or not parental authority has been restricted;

* whether You have not been the child's guardian (carer) and the guardianship has been withdrawn for reasons other than your fault;

* whether You have any medical conditions that would prevent You from adopting a child;

* whether You and the other persons living with You have been convicted of any intentional offences that would prevent You from becoming an adopter.

The initial assessment of Your documents will take up to 20 working days from the submission of Your written application to become an adoptive parent.

If the territorial division of the Service determines that the above circumstances exist, it will inform You in writing within 3 working days that the examination of Your readiness to adopt the child cannot be continued.