Adoption
Overview
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from the biological parent or parents to the adoptive parent or parents. Unlike guardianship or other systems designed for the care of the young, adoption is intended to effect a permanent change in status and as such requires societal recognition, either through legal or religious sanction.
History
Adoption for the well-born has been documented throughout history. The practice of adoption in ancient Rome is well documented in the Codex Justinianus. Markedly different from the modern period, ancient adoption practices put emphasis on the political and economic interests of the adopter, providing a legal tool that strengthened political ties between wealthy families and created male heirs to manage estates. The use of adoption by the aristocracy is well documented; many of Rome's emperors were adopted sons.
Modern Adoption
Modern systems of adoption, arising in the 20th century, tend to be governed by comprehensive statutes and regulations. In recent decades, international adoptions have become more and more common. Adoption in the United States is common and relatively easy from a legal point of view (compared to other Western countries). In 2001, with over 127,000 adoptions, the US accounted for nearly half of the total number of adoptions worldwide.
Types of Adoption
Adoption can take various forms, which are typically defined by the legal statutes of individual countries. The main types of adoption are:
Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoption refers to the process by which a child who is a citizen of a given country is adopted by parents who are also citizens of that same country. This is the most common form of adoption.
International Adoption
International adoption, also known as intercountry adoption or transnational adoption, is a type of adoption in which an individual or couple becomes the legal and permanent parents of a child who is a national of a different country.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, the birth parents and adoptive parents know each other and agree to a certain level of contact, which can range from letters and emails through an agency, to face-to-face visits.
Closed Adoption
A closed adoption, also known as a confidential or secret adoption, is an adoption where the adoptive family and the birthmother never meet and know nothing or very little about each other.
Semi-Open Adoption
In a semi-open adoption, non-identifying information is shared between adoptive and biological parents. This can include medical history, racial and ethnic background, reasons for placing the child for adoption, and other details.
Legal Considerations
Adoption is a complex process that requires the adoptive parents to meet certain legal requirements, both in their home country and in the country from which they are adopting (in the case of international adoptions). These requirements can include home studies, legal representation, and various fees.
Psychological Impact
Adoption can have a significant psychological impact on all involved parties, including the adoptive parents, the adopted child, and the birth parents. This impact can manifest in a variety of ways, and is often a major consideration in the adoption process.
Adoption Process
The process of adoption varies greatly, depending on the type of adoption, the country in which the adoption is taking place, and the individual circumstances of the adoptive parents and the child being adopted. However, most adoptions follow a general process that includes a home study, matching with a child, legalizing the adoption, and post-placement visits.