Adoption

Adoption is a legal process that establishes a relationship between a parent and a child that is recognized by law. After an adoption occurs, the new parent is legally and morally responsible for the child in every way. The adoptive parent may be either a blood relation to the child or have absolutely no relationship at all prior to the adoption proceeding. Once an adoption is final, the child becomes a permanent member of the new family and the biological parents lose all parental rights and responsibilities.