Related Words

Adoption Facilitator: Unlicensed organizations or individuals offering adoption services, which is illegal in 20 states.

Foster-Adoption: A child placement in which birth parents' rights have not yet been severed by the court or in which birth parents are appealing the court's decision but foster parents agree to adopt the chi . . . View Full Definition

Independent Adoption: An adoption arranged privately by a non-licensed third party (i.e., doctor or lawyer) or between the birth family and adoptive parents.

Intercountry or International Adoption: The adoption of a child who is a citizen of one country by adoptive parents who are citizens of a different country.

Foster Adoption Placement: Foster placement of a child, with adoption being the final goal, once all legal requirements have been met. The couple must be certified as suitable to adopt with their home licensed as a fo . . . View Full Definition

International Adoption: Adoption of a child born outside of the United States.

Final Adoption Decree: Legal document issued by the court that completes the adoption.

Decree of Adoption: A legal order that finalizes an adoption.

De Facto Adoption: A legal agreement to adopt a child according to the laws of a particular state which will result in a legal adoption process once the adoption petition is filed with the appropriate court: a . . . View Full Definition

Designated-ldentified Adoptions: Process in which birthparents choose the individual or couple who will adopt their child and designates the placement of the child while still having the benefits of an agency assisted adoption.