The definition of adoption The main characters of adoption in middle ages Modern adoption

Adoption terms
Adoptee. A person who was adopted. Some people prefer the terms “adopted child” or “adopted person.”

Adoption. The complete transfer of parental rights and obligations from one parent or set of parents to another. A legal adoption requires a court action.

Adoption triad. The three major parties in an adoption: birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted child. Also called “adoption triangle” or “adoption circle.”

Disruption. An adoption process that is halted after the prospective adoptive parents have taken custody but before legally finalization.

Dissolution. An adoption in which the parent-child legal relationship is severed after finalization.

Dossier. A set of legal documents used in international adoption to process a child’s adoption or assignment of guardianship in a foreign court.

Expectant mother. A woman who is pregnant and considering adoption for her child after she gives birth.

Finalization. The final legal step in the adoption process; involves a court hearing, during which a judge orders that the adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents.
Foster parents. State- or county-licensed adults who provide a temporary home for children whose birth parents are unable to care for them.

Hague Adoption Convention. The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, an international treaty to improve accountability, safeguards, and cooperation in inter-country adoption. Its terms govern adoption among almost 80 countries, including the U.S.
ICPC. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is statutory law that establishes uniform legal and administrative procedures governing the adoption of children between states within the U.S.

Identifying information. Information on birth parents or adoptive parents that discloses their identities.