9Participation of child in decisions

#### 9 Participation of child in decisions 9 Participation of child in decisions > > (1) To ensure that a child is able to participate in any decision made under this Act that has a significant impact on his or her life, the decision maker is responsible for providing the child with the following— > > > > > (a) adequate information, in a manner and language that the child can understand, concerning the decision, > > > > > (b) the opportunity to express his or her views freely, according to his or her abilities, > > > > > (c) information about the outcome of the decision and an explanation of the reasons for the decision, > > > > > (d) any assistance that is necessary for the child to understand the information and to express his or her views, > > > > > (e) appropriate counselling when the child’s consent is required to his or her adoption. > > > (2) In the application of this principle, due regard must be had to the age and developmental capacity of the child. > > > (3) Decisions about the adoption of a child that have a significant impact on the life of the child include, but are not limited to, decisions relating to the following— > > > > > (a) the placement for adoption of the child, > > > > > (b) the development of any adoption plan concerning the child and the views of the child’s parents about the plan, > > > > > (c) an application for an order for the adoption of the child, > > > > > (d) contact with birth parents or others connected with the child.