New rules are in place about applying for, granting and removing declarations of eligibility and suitability. These rules came in effect on 1 January 2018.

A Plain English guide to these rules can be found here.

This document is in seven parts:

1. Assessing an applicant for a declaration of eligibility and suitability
2. Issuing a declaration
3. Refusing to issue a declaration
4. Reconsidering a declaration
5. Holding an oral hearing
6. Conducting a hearing
7. Considering the best interests of the child