Civil Code (Cap. 16), article 119

119. (1) The court before makin g an adoption decree shall be satisfied - (a) that every person whose consent is necessary for the making of the adoption decree and whose consent is not dispensed with, has consented to and understands the nature and effect of the adoption decree for which application is made; and in particular in the case of any parent that he understands that the effect of the adoption decree will be permanently to deprive him or her of his or her rights in respect of the person to be adopted; (b) that the decree if made will be for the welfare of the person to be adopted; (c) that the applicant has not received or agreed to receive, and that no person has made or given or agreed to make or give to the applicant, any payment or other reward in consideration of the adoption except such as the court may sanction; (d) that due consideration has been given to the recommendations of the Adoption Board. (2) In determining whether an adoption decree if made will be for the welfare of the person to be adopted, the court shall ha ve regard (among other things) to the health of the applicant, as evidenced, in such cases as may be prescribed, by the certifica te of a registered medical practitioner, and shall give due considera tion to the wishes of the person to be adopted, having regard to his age and understanding and to the re ligious persuasion of such perso n and of his parents. (3) The court in an adoption decree may impose such terms and conditions as the court may think fit, and in particular may re quire the adopter to make for the person to be adopted such provision (if any) as in the opinion of the court is just and expedient. (4) If it is in the minor’s best interest, the Court shall, when making the adoption decree, authorise an agreement of open adop tion which has been drawn up by the parties together with the Adopti on Service within the Directorate of Alternative Care (Children an d Youth) or before a mediator, where the parents and, or the natu ral family of the minor shall mainta in contact with the minor: Provided that the Court shall ensure that the agreement of open adoption was drawn up with the consent of all parties: Provided further that the Court shall take into consideration the views of the minor if he po ssesses sufficient understanding : Provided further that an open adoption may include, but CIVIL CODE [CAP. 16. 59 shall not be limited to physical a ccess, contact through electr onic means or any other fo rm of correspondence: Provided further that every open adoption agreement shall be drawn up with due considerati on to the minor’s best interest : Provided further that open adoption shall give the right of access between siblings, even when one of the siblings has been adopted: Provided further that the minor shall give his consent when he has attained the age of eleven (11) years: Provided further that any amendments to the agreement of open adoption shall not have any effect before they are authori sed by the Court. Curator. Amended by: VII.1977.5; IV .2008.35; XXVIII.2024. 10.