A person who has become the child of someone other than their birth parents through a formal legal process.

A person who has become the child of someone other than their birth parents through a formal legal adoption process.

An organization that facilitates the legal process of adopting children by connecting prospective adoptive parents with children who are available for adoption or expectant parents considering making an adoption plan.

An organization that facilitates the legal process of adopting children by connecting prospective adoptive parents with children who are available for adoption or expectant parents considering making an adoption plan.

A lawyer who specializes in guiding individuals or couples through the legal aspects of the adoption process. They provide legal counsel and assistance in completing the necessary steps to adopt a child.

A lawyer who specializes in guiding individuals or couples through the legal aspects of the adoption process. They provide legal counsel and assistance in completing the necessary steps to adopt a child.

Anyone whose life is entwined with adoption can be a member of the adoption constellation: the adoption triad members (adopted, birth parent, adoptive parents), siblings, relatives, professionals, significant others, and more.

A strategy or outline that a birth or expectant parent or parents create while considering adoption for their biological child. An adoption plan contains what they are looking for, want for their child, and intentions for ongoing contact. It’s often developed with an adoption professional during options counseling.

A symbol of the three groups of people whose lives are connected through an adoption: the birth parent(s), the adoptee(s) and the adoptive parent(s). The triangular-shaped symbol shows the relationship and connection between each member.

The family connected to a child through a legal adoption process.

The parent of a child they have legally adopted.

An adoptee’s birth certificate that was revised after a legal adoption to state the name(s) of their adoptive parent(s) in place of their birth or first parent(s).

An adoptee’s birth certificate that lists their birth or first parent(s) names under “parents.” In some states, adoptees have access to their original birth certificate at age 18. In others, these records are permanently sealed.

The biological family of origin of an adoptee – including birth parents, birth siblings, and other birth relatives.

The biological sibling of an adoptee – whether through one birth parent or both birth parents.

The biological sibling of an adoptee – whether through one birth parent or both birth parents.

The biological parent of an adoptee.

The document issued by the court at the finalization of an adoption. The document states that the adoptee is the legal child of the adoptive parent(s).

A term used within state law and applied almost any child or youth adopted from foster care. The term is used within state law to define which children are eligible for federal financial assistance, also know ass adoption subsidies. While the classification can be based on medical, cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities, or risk of developing a disability based on birth family history – it also can pertain to a child’s race or ethnicity, age, status within a sibling group, or any condition that may make it difficult to locate an appropriate adoptive family for them.

The term “special needs” is often seen as a derogatory term within the adoption community – as it has other definitions outside of the adoption community – leading to the term being often misunderstood.

Children adopted as infants domestically outside of foster care or adopted internationally may also be called a child with special needs. In these circumstances, it typically then means the child has a medical, cognitive, emotional, or physical disability or is likely to be diagnosed with one later.

A term used within state law and applied almost any child or youth adopted from foster care. The term is used within state law to define which children are eligible for federal financial assistance, also know ass adoption subsidies. While the classification can be based on medical, cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities, or risk of developing a disability based on birth family history – it also can pertain to a child’s race or ethnicity, age, status within a sibling group, or any condition that may make it difficult to locate an appropriate adoptive family for them.

The term “special needs” is often seen as a derogatory term within the adoption community – as it has other definitions outside of the adoption community – leading to the term being often misunderstood.

Children adopted as infants domestically outside of foster care or adopted internationally may also be called a child with special needs. In these circumstances, it typically then means the child has a medical, cognitive, emotional, or physical disability or is likely to be diagnosed with one later.

All states have requirements to complete state and federal clearances from several sources. It’s typical to have a criminal history clearance (through fingerprints) and child abuse clearances. Other clearances are possible depending on your state of residence and the state you are adopting from.

Certain crimes (typically violent crimes or crimes committed against children) will result in automatic disqualification from adoptingt. However, not all crimes will result in an automatic disqualification.

A type of adoption where the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) have little to no contact with each other and may possibly know very little about one another. The expectation is that the adoptee will not have contact with the birth parent(s) growing up.

This is sometimes called a “traditional adoption,” as, in the past, nearly all adoptions were “closed.”

The act of pressuring an expectant or biological parent to place a child for adoption, either through forceful, threatening or intimidating language or actions. Anyone involved in the adoption can be coercive.

The agreement by a parent, (or a person or agency acting in place of a parent), to relinquish a child for adoption and release all rights and duties with respect to that child. It’s also sometimes called the “surrender.”

A situation where the planned adoption process of a child is interrupted or terminated before it is legally finalized. This disruption can occur for various reasons and can be a complex and emotional experience for all parties involved, including the child, adoptive parent(s), and birth parent(s).

The legal process of terminating or dissolving an adoption after it has been legally finalized. The legal relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the adopted child is formally severed. Adoption dissolution is a rare and complex situation, and it typically involves a court order to reverse the adoption. It’s sometimes called a “failed adoption.”

The process of adopting a child within the same country where the adoptive parent(s) reside. In a domestic adoption, the child who is being adopted is typically a citizen or resident of the same country as the adoptive parent(s). This type of adoption is subject to the laws and regulations of the specific country or state where the adoption takes place.

The process of adopting a child within the same country where the adoptive parent(s) reside. In a domestic adoption, the child who is being adopted is typically a citizen or resident of the same country as the adoptive parent(s). This type of adoption is subject to the laws and regulations of the specific country or state where the adoption takes place.

A process provided to individuals who are considering placing their child for adoption, often during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Counseling is typically facilitated by professionals, such as licensed counselors, social workers, or adoption agency staff. Topics most often include information and education on adoption, emotional support, exploration of optionss, preparation for grief aand loss, facilitation of open communication (in an open adoption), and legal aspects. This counseling aims to help expectant or birth parents make informed and voluntary decisions about the adoption of their child.

A blanket term for situations where a planned adoption does not proceed as intended or does not result in the permanent placement of the child with the adoptive family. A faled placement can happen at different stages of the adoption process, from the initial match between adoptive parent(s) and birth parent(s) to disruptions that occur after the child has been placed with the adoptive family but before the adoption is legally finalized (i.e. disruption of adoption).

The costs associated with the adoption process, typically incurred by the adoptive parent(s) to cover various expenses related to the legal, administrative, and sometimes medical aspects of adoption. The specific adoption fees can vary widely depending on the type of adoption, the adoption agency or professional facilitating the process, and the jurisdiction in which the adoption takes place.

Some common components of adoption fees are agency fees, legal fees, home study fees, birth parent expenses, international fees, and birth parent expenses.

The legal proceeding in court where an adoption is formally completed and the adoptive parent(s) become the legal, permanent parent of the adoptee. It is the last legal step in an adoption.

An approach where individuals or couples initially become foster parents with the intention of adopting a child who becomes legally available for adoption. The foster parent(s) first provide temporary care for a child within the foster care system. If it’s determined that the child cannot be safely reunified with birth family or fictive kin, and the goal shifts to adoption, the foster parents may have the opportunity to adopt the child they have been fostering.

A division of the child welfare system where temporary out-of-home care is provided to children who are unable to live with their biological families due to various reasons, such as purported abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that may pose a risk to their well-being or stabiliity. In foster care, children are placed in the care of approved foster families or in group homes while their birth families work to address the issues that led to the child’s removal in hopes that the child may be returned home.

The specific objectives and outcomes that child welfare agencies aim to achieve during a child’s placement in foster care. These goals are designed to address the needs and circumstances of each foster child and their family. The primary goals of foster care typically revolve around ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of the child. The most typical goal is for the child to be safely reunited with their family.

A child or young person (sometimes up to 21 years old depending on the jurisdiction) placed in a foster family or group home due to various reasons preventing them from living with their biological parents. Foster children are typically placed in foster care by the child welfare or court systems due to purported abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that may pose a risk to their well-being or stability.

Someone who provides temporary care in their home for a child or children placed in the foster care system due to purported abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that may pose a risk to their well-being or stability.

In the context of foster care, “guardian” or “guardianship” typically refers to a legal relationship where an individual or entity is granted the legal authority and responsibility to make decisions for a child who is in foster care. The guardian is appointed by the court and assumes certain legal rights and responsibilities for the child’s well-being. A guardian is often a different person from the foster parent.

An international treaty signed on by the United States in 1994, that establishes requirements and procedures to ensure the protection of children in intercountry adoptions. The Convention aims to ensure:
an intercountry adoption only takes place when a child has been deemed eligible for adoption by their country of origin.

Proper consideration and effort has been made to find an adoptive family within the child’s country of origin.

A major goal of the Hague is to prevent the abduction, sale, and trafficking of children and to safeguard their best interests during the adoption process.

A comprehensive assessment process conducted by a licensed social worker or adoption agency cumulating in a report approving an individual or couple to foster or adopt.

Its primary purpose is to evaluate the suitability of prospective adoptive parents and their home environment to ensure the safety, stability, and welfare of a child being placed for adoption or in a foster home.

The home study typically involves interviews, background checks, reference checks, and a thorough review of the prospective parents’ personal histories, living conditions, lifestyle, parenting philosophy, financial stability, and emotional readiness to adopt. It also serves as an educational opportunity for the prospective parents, providing information about adoption, child development, and parenting expectations.

The findings of the home study are used to make informed decisions regarding the matching of children with prospective adoptive families.

An updated document to the home study report required for various reasons such as a change in the prospective adoptive parent(s)’ circumstances. Addendums are meant to ensure that the home study report remains accurate and reflective of the prospective adoptive family’s life.

Certain states or agencies will require annual or biannual updates to the home study to ensure the family’s circumstances continue to be known and reported.

A specific type of adoption arrangement where the biological parent(s) of a child and prospective adoptive parents locate each other independently or through a mutual connection. The adults involved may choose (or be legally required) to engage certain adoption professionals depending on the jurisdiction’s requirements.

Personal details about biological parents and adoptive parents involved in an adoption process that can be used to directly identify them.

This information typically includes full names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, birthdates, and any other data that could reveal the identities of birth parents, adoptive parents, or the adopted child. Identifying information is often treated with sensitivity and confidentiality to protect the privacy of the adults involved in the adoption.

Access to identifying information may be regulated by laws and policies governing adoption professionals. Certain information may be accessed by the adoptee at a certain age, depending on the jurisdiction’s laws.

A process in which the birth parents and adoptive parents work directly with each other, typically without the involvement of an adoption agency or intermediary.

In an independent adoption, the birth parents may seek and select the adoptive parents themselves or may find them through personal connections, such as friends, family members, online platforms, or advertisements. This type of adoption involves legal procedures to finalize the adoption, ensuring that all necessary requirements and regulations are met. Independent adoption requires careful planning, legal guidance, and support to navigate successfully.

The process of adopting a child from another country from where the adoptive parent(s) reside. In an international adoption, the child who is being adopted is typically a citizen or resident of a different country as the adoptive parent(s). The child is typically living in an orphanage, group home or foster care setting and a permanent placement is not possible within their home country. This type of adoption is subject to the laws and regulations of the specific country where the adoption is taking place and where the adoptive parents reside.

A legally binding agreement between all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands, that regulates the transfer of children from one state to another. This agreement outlines the conditions that must be met prior to the placement of a child out of state (for an adoption). It guarantees that potential placements meet safety and suitability standards before authorization, and it ensures that the party or organization facilitating the placement maintains legal and financial responsibility for the child post-placement.

The legal process through which a court terminates a parent’s legal rights and responsibilities towards their child without the parent’s consent. This action is typically taken when it is determined that the parent is unable or unwilling to provide proper care, support, or protection for the child, or when the parent has engaged in actions such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment that endanger the child’s well-being. Involuntary termination of parental rights is a serious and irreversible legal action, and it may occur as a result of court proceedings initiated by child welfare agencies, adoption agencies, or other concerned parties seeking to safeguard the child’s welfare and best interests.

A type of adoption where a child is legally adopted by a relative or someone with a significant pre-existing relationship with the child, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or family friend. In kinship adoption, the adoptive parent(s) are already familiar with the child and may have been providing care for them prior to the formal adoption process. This type of adoption is often pursued when it is in the best interest of the child to maintain connections with their extended family or community, or when it is necessary to provide stability and permanency in situations where the child cannot remain with their biological parent(s). Kinship adoption can offer a number of benefits, including permanency, maintaining a sense of continuity and belonging for the child, preserving cultural and familial ties, and providing a supportive environment within a familiar and trusted network.

Typically the person whose relationship with the mother of a child meets certain criteria to make him legally the father, even if he is not the biological father to the child. One example is a person legally married to the mother at the time of conception or birth of their child. A legal father will typically need to consent to an adoption or have his rights terminated by a court, even if he has no other connection to the child

Placement of a child with a prospective adoptive family by an adoption or child welfare agency when the child has not yet been “freed” for adoption as the biological parents have not yet consented to adoption or had their parental rights terminated in court.

Financial support provided to birth parents during the pregnancy and postpartum period. These expenses may include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, maternity clothing, childcare during appointmentss, medical expenses not covered by insurance, counseling services, and other necessary living costs. In some adoption arrangements, adoptive parents or adoption agencies may offer financial assistance to help alleviate the financial burden on expectant and new parents and ensure that they have the support needed to maintain a healthy and stable lifestyle during this time.

It’s important to note that laws and regulations regarding the provision of living expenses to birth parents vary by jurisdiction (of the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents). There are often restrictions on the types and amounts of expenses that can be covered – and violating those restrictions can put risk on the legal process.

A meeting held during the matching process between a child’s biological parent(s) and a prospective adoptive parent(s). Typically this time is used to discuss their backgrounds, hopes for the child, open adoption, and more. It’s often facilitated by social workers or attorneys.

“Matching” is the process a suitable adoptive family for a child by aligning the child’s background and needs, the preferences of the child’s biological parent(s), and the preferences and capabilities of prospective adoptive parent(s). This process is usually managed by adoption agencies or social workers, but, in cases of independent adoptions, sometimes the parents themselves. All adoptive providers handle matching in their own way. When a prospective family has been identified and are in agreement that they hope to adopt the child, it’s called a “match” or that they are “matched.”

Enacted at the federal level with the aim of shortening the time children spend in foster care awaiting adoption, this law prohibits child welfare agencies receiving federal funding from delaying or denying foster or adoptive placements based on a child’s or prospective parent’s race, color, or national origin. It also mandates agencies to recruit foster and adoptive parents reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of children in foster care.

An arrangement in which the birth parents and adoptive parents maintain a defined level of contact and communication following the placement of the child for adoption. It may include exchanges of letters, photos emails, phone calls, video calls, or visits. The goal of open adoption allow for ongoing relationships between the child, birth parents, and adoptive parents, providing transparency and continued connection throughout the child’s life.

It should be noted that some states offer the option of legally enforceable open adoption agreements. Others do not.

A formal, written arrangement between the birth parents and adoptive parents that outlines the level and type of contact and communication they will maintain after the adoption placement. This agreement typically details how often and in what manner the individuals will interact, such as through letters, emails, calls, or visits. It may state provisions regarding the exchange of photos, updates on the child’s well-being, and participation in important events or milestones in the child’s life.

Open adoption agreements vary widely based on the preferences and comfort levels of all adults involved. There may be provisions about the child’s decision-making around the relationship as they mature.

It should be noted that some states offer the option of legally enforceable open adoption agreements – often known as a “Post-Adoption Contact Agreement.” Others do not.

Refers to the accessibility of adoption-related documents and information to members of the adoption triad. Usually, it refers to allowing access to the original birth certificate, adoption decree, and other important documents to adopted individuals, birth parents, and sometimes even adoptive parents. In jurisdictions with open records laws, adoptees may have the legal right to obtain their original birth certificate and access information about their biological parents, siblings, and other relatives – usually after turning 18. Similarly, birth parents and adoptive parents may have varying degrees of access to adoption records depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the adoption. Open records laws aim to promote transparency, facilitate reunions between adoptees and their biological families if desired, and support individuals’ rights to access information about their own personal history.

Access to open records varies widely.

The degree of communication, contact, and sharing of information between the members of the adoption triad. The level of openness can vary widely based on the preferences and agreements made between the biological and adoptive parent(s). ranging from no contact post-placement to regular and frequent communication.

The process of providing expectant parents or new parents with information, support, and guidance as they consider their options regarding their pregnancy, including the possibility of placing the child for adoption. Options counseling is typically offered by adoption agencies, social workers, or other professionals trained in providing support to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies. The goal of options counseling is to empower expectant parents or new parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy by discussing available options, including parenting, kinship placement, foster care, adoption, and abortion (if possible). The best practice would be to offer this service in a supportive and non-coercive manner.

Options counseling involves providing information about the adoption process, exploring the emotional, practical, and financial aspects of each option, and offering support to help individuals navigate their decision-making process with dignity, respect, and autonomy.

The legal rights and responsibilities that biological parents or legal guardians hold over a child. These rights include the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing, welfare, education, healthcare, and general well-being. Additionally, parental rights typically encompass the right to physical custody and visitation with the child. In adoption, parental rights may be voluntarily relinquished by the biological parent(s) or terminated by a court, allowing for the legal transfer of these rights to the adoptive parent(s). Once parental rights, are terminated or relinquished, the adoptive parent(s) are then able to move forward with an adoption and process and assume full legal responsibility for the child, including all rights and obligations associated with parenthood.

“Permanency” is the establishment of a stable and secure living arrangement for a child. The goal is to ensure that they have a long-term, nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive. It typically involves finding a permanent family or placement option that meets the child’s developmental, emotional, and physical needs. Permanency aims to provide children with a sense of belonging, continuity, and security, often achieved through reunification with biological parents, adoption, legal guardianship, or long-term foster care.

“Permanency planning” is the process by which child welfare agencies, social workers, and other professionals work to achieve permanency for children in out-of-home care. It can involve assessing the child’s needs, evaluating the strengths and resources of the biological family, identifying potential permanent placement options, and developing a plan to achieve permanency within a reasonable timeframe.

Permanency planning also includes providing support services, counseling, and resources to birth families, foster families, and adoptive families to ensure the success of the permanent placement and the well-being of the child. The ultimate goal of permanency planning is to secure a stable, loving, and permanent home for every child in need.

The event when the adoptive parent(s) takes physical custody of the child, and the adoptee moves into the home of their adoptive family.

A range of supportive resources and assistance provided to adoptive families, adoptees, birth parents, and others involved in the adoption process after an adoption placement. These services are intended to address the ongoing needs, challenges, and adjustments that may arise following adoption placement and finalization. Post-adoption services can include counseling, support groups, educational resources, access to medical or mental health services, assistance with navigating legal or financial matters, respite care, and guidance on parenting adoptees.
The goal of post-adoption services is to promote the well-being and stability of members of the adoption triad, facilitate successful transitions, and address any issues or concerns that may arise throughout the lifespan.

The process of monitoring and supporting an adoptive placement after the adoption of a child has been legally finalized. This is typically required after an international adoption where the legal proceedings took place in the sending country before the adoptive family and adoptee returned to the receiving country.

The primary goal of post-adoption supervision is to ensure the stability and success of the adoption placement, address any challenges or issues that arise, and facilitate the long-term adjustment and integration of the child into their new family.

This supervision is usually conducted by social workers or adoption professionals who work with the adoptive family to ensure the child’s and family’s well-being and adjustment following the adoption. Post-adoption supervision may involve regular visits to the adoptive home, check-ins with family members, and providing resources, guidance, and support as needed. There also may be regular reports sent to the sending country for a required period of time.

The period of time following the placement of a child into a potential adoptive family but before the legal adoption is finalized.

During this phase, the child resides with the prospective adoptive parents, and they begin to establish a bond and relationship. Post-placement typically involves supervision and support from adoption professionals or social workers to ensure the well-being of both the child and the adoptive family during the transition period. This phase may include regular visits, counseling, and assistance with any challenges or adjustments that arise as the family prepares for the finalization.

The duration of the post-placement period can vary depending on legal requirements and the specific circumstances of the adoption. Once the post-placement period is successfully completed, the legal adoption can proceed.

The ongoing monitoring, support, and guidance provided by adoption professionals or social workers to an adoptive family and the child following the placement of the child into the adoptive home. This supervision typically occurs after the legal adoption process has begun but before it is finalized in court. During post-placement supervision, professionals conduct regular visits or check-ins with the adoptive family to assess the child’s well-being, ensure the family’s adjustment and readiness for adoption, and provide any necessary resources, counseling, or assistance. The primary goal of post-placement supervision is to support the successful transition of the child into their new family, address any challenges or concerns that arise, and ensure the stability and permanency of the adoption placement. There also may be regular reports prepared to be turned into the court presiding over finalization proceedings.

See “Independent Adoption”

Individuals or a couple who are in the process of hoping to adopt a child. These individuals have expressed their interest in adoption and have begun or completed the steps to become approved as adoptive parents. Once approved, prospective adoptive families may be matched with a child who is available for adoption, and the placement and finalization of the adoption can begin.

An alleged father or a father who is not married to the mother of a child. The putative father typically claims that he is the biological father of the child even though the legal relationship has not been established on the child’s birth certificate or through other legal means. A putative father’s parental rights (and ability to contest or agree to an adoption) vary based on his relationship with the mother and the child.

Every state has a provision for fathers to voluntarily acknowledge paternity or the possibility of paternity of a child born outside of marriage.

The voluntary act of surrendering parental rights and responsibilities by a birth parent or legal guardian, typically to facilitate the adoption of a child. This process often involves signing legal documents, such as consent to adoption or relinquishment of parental rights, to formalize the decision to place the child for adoption. Relinquishment allows for the transfer of legal custody and parental rights from the birth parent or legal guardian to either an intermediary (like an adoption agency) or directly to the adoptive parents, enabling the adoption process to proceed.

The process of restoring a child’s placement with their birth family after a period of separation, typically due to involvement with child protective services or out-of-home care. Reunification occurs when the birth parents or legal guardians have addressed the issues that led to the child’s removal from their care, such as abuse, neglect, or other safety concerns and have demonstrated the ability to provide a safe and stable home environment for the child’s return.

“Reunification” is often used as a goal for a child in foster care.

The act of individuals who were separated through adoption reconnecting and establishing contact with each other. This typically involves adoptees and birth family reconnecting.

Reunion can be a significant and emotional event for all involved, as it may provide an opportunity for individuals to learn more about their genetic and familial heritage, establish relationships with biological relatives, and address questions or feelings related to their adoption experience.

The specific timeframe during which a birth parent or legal guardian who has consented to the adoption of their child can revoke or withdraw their consent to the adoption.

This period varies depending on state laws or adoption regulations but is commonly a set number of days following the signing of the consent or relinquishment documents. The purpose of the revocation period is to provide birth parents with an opportunity to reconsider their decision and ensure that their consent to the adoption is fully informed, uncoerced, and voluntary.

Once the revocation period has elapsed without revocation, the consent becomes irrevocable – or irreversible – and the adoption process can proceed.

Two or more siblings who are placed together for adoption. This could include biological siblings or unrelated children who have formed strong sibling-like bonds while in foster care or other out-of-home placements.

Placing siblings together in adoption ensures that they can maintain their bond and relationship with each other, which can be vital for their emotional well-being and sense of stability. Adopting a sibling group allows them to grow up together, providing mutual support, companionship, and continuity in their lives. Sibling group adoption is often encouraged in the child welfare system to promote the well-being and permanency of sibling relationships.

Financial assistance provided to adoptive parents to help offset the costs associated with adopting and raising a child, particularly when the child has special needs. Adoption subsidies are typically offered by government agencies or adoption assistance programs and may include monthly payments, reimbursement for certain adoption-related expenses, or coverage of medical and educational costs for the adopted child.

Many adoptions would not qualify for subsidies.

See “Post-Placement Supervision” and “Post-Adoption Supervision”

See “Consent to Adoption”

The legal process through which a court ends the legal relationship between a parent and their minor child. This action permanently severs all legal rights, duties, and responsibilities that the parent has towards the child, including custody, visitation, and financial support.

TPR typically occurs when the court determines that it is in the best interest of the child to be permanently removed from the parent’s care due to circumstances such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, or parental unfitness. TPR proceedings may be initiated by child welfare agencies, adoption providers, adoptive parents, or other concerned parties, and they require a formal legal hearing where evidence is presented to support the termination. Once TPR is granted, the child may become eligible for adoption, placement in foster care, or guardianship by another individual or family.

Terminating parental rights is a significant and irreversible legal action, and it is typically pursued only after careful consideration of the child’s safety, well-being, and best interests.

Enacted in 1978 in response to the devastating crisis of removing 25%-35% of American Indian and Alaska Native children from their parents and extended families by state child welfare and private adoption agencies. 85% of those removed were placed outside of their families and communities (often with White families).

ICWA was intended to “protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families,” and was created to address some of the most concerning practices targeting Native children.

ICWA requires that caseworkers considering the permanency of a Native child must:
Provide active efforts to the family;

Identify a placement that fits under the ICWA preference provisions;

Notify the child’s tribe and the child’s parents of the child custody proceeding; and

Work actively to involve the child’s tribe and the child’s parents in the proceedings.

The placement of a child for adoption with adoptive parent(s) who are of a different race or ethnicity than the child. While not uncommon, transracial adoption raises important considerations regarding identity, cultural heritage, and racial socialization. Transracial adoption can offer children the opportunity to grow up in a stable and loving family, but it also requires adoptive parents to be thoughtful and proactive in addressing issues of race, culture, and identity within their family dynamic and community.

See “Relinquishment”