Couples living outside the UK- The Adoption and Children Act 2002 whose relevant sections became effective on 31 December 2005 makes it illegal for anyone to take a child out of the UK with a view to adopting it in a non-UK country. It is also illegal for anyone to advise or assist such persons in any way. Effectively, COTS can no longer help overseas couples and nor can we enter into any further discussion of any kind with such couples. We understand the obvious distress this will cause and point out that we were not consulted or informed in any way regarding the drafting, implications or implementation of this legislation.