By Mona Jradé

The adoption process can be a sensitive and emotional experience for all parties involved. Using the right terms ensures that everyone understands what’s happening. It is essential to be mindful of the words that are used when discussing adoption. The use of inappropriate or disrespectful language can be hurtful and damaging to all parties involved. By using inclusive and respectful language, we can create an adoption glossary. It is a more positive and supportive environment for all those involved in the adoption process.

In the adoption process, there are many different terms that are used to describe the various parties involved, the types of adoptions, and the different steps in the process. It is important to familiarize yourself with these terms in order to have a clear understanding of what is happening and to be able to communicate effectively with others involved in the adoption process.

Here are some of the essential terms that are commonly used in the adoption process.

Adoption

The legal process of creating a parent-child relationship between people who are not biologically related. Adoption allows individuals or couples who are unable to have children of their own to become legal parents to a child.

Adopted Child

A child who has been placed with adoptive parents through the adoption process. Adopted children are not biologically related to their adoptive parents, but they are given the same legal rights and responsibilities as biological children. Adopted children come from a variety of different backgrounds and circumstances. Some may be placed for adoption through the foster care system, while others may be privately adopted through an adoption agency or directly through the birth parents.

Adoptive Parent

A person who has legally adopted a child. Adoptive parents are legally responsible for the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of the child.

They may adopt a child through the foster care system, through an adoption agency, or privately through the birth parents. Adoptive parents may adopt a child of any age, from a newborn to an older child or teenager.

Birth Parent

A person who gives birth to a child and places the child for adoption. Birth parents may choose to place their child for adoption for a variety of reasons, including financial challenges, lack of support, or an inability to provide the necessary care for the child.

Placing a child for adoption can be a difficult and emotional decision for birth parents. They may experience a range of emotions, including grief, loss, guilt, and sadness. It is important for birth parents to have access to support and resources to help them through this process. Adoption Las Vegas, offers support to birth mothers that decide to put their baby up for adoption.

Closed Adoption

A closed adoption is an adoption where the identity of the birth parents is not disclosed to the adoptive parents or the adopted child. In a closed adoption, there is no ongoing contact or communication between the birth parents and the adoptive family.

Closed adoptions were more common in the past, but open adoptions have become more common in recent years.

Open Adoption

An open adoption is an adoption where the identity of the birth parents is disclosed to the adoptive parents and the adopted child, and there may be ongoing communication and contact between all parties involved. In an open adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents can have regular phone calls, emails, or visits.

Adoption Agency

Adoption agencies are organizations that help facilitate the adoption process. They work with adoptive parents, birth parents, and adopted children to provide support and services throughout the adoption process. Adoption agencies can be public or private and may specialize in different types of adoptions, such as domestic, international, or foster care adoptions.

If you live in Las Vegas, Nevada, Adoption Nevada can help you put together an adoption plan for your baby. 

Foster Care

Children who have been removed from their parents’ care due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons live in foster care. Foster children are usually placed with a foster family or in a group home until they can be adopted.

Foster Parent

A foster parent is a person who provides temporary care for a child in foster care. Foster parents are typically licensed by a state or county agency to provide care for children who have been removed from their parents’ care due to abuse, neglect, or other circumstances.

Birth Mother Expenses

Birth mother expenses are pregnancy and medical expenses that adoptive parents or the birth mother’s adoption agency may pay for. These expenses may include medical expenses, such as doctor’s visits, hospital bills, and prenatal care, as well as living expenses, such as rent, utilities, and transportation.

Transition Period

The transition period is the period of time after a child is placed with adoptive parents but before the adoption is finalized. The length of the transition period can vary depending on the type of adoption and the laws of the state where the adoption takes place. 

Relinquishment

Relinquishment refers to the act of a birth parent or parents voluntarily giving up their legal rights to their child. This may occur before or after the child is born. Relinquishment is when the birth parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child and want to give the child the opportunity to be raised in a stable and loving home.

ICPC

The ICPC, or the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, is a set of laws that govern the movement of children across state lines for the purpose of adoption. The ICPC is in place to protect the welfare of children who are being placed for adoption and to ensure that all necessary legal and social work requirements are met before the child is moved to a new state.

Finalization

Finalization is the legal process of completing an adoption, including obtaining the adoption decree. The adoption decree is a legal document that is issued by a court and states that the adoption is final and that the adoptive parents have full legal and parental rights and responsibilities for the adopted child.

Adoption Decree

The adoption decree establishes the adoptive parent’s legal relationship with the child. It is issued after the adoption has been finalized and is the official record of the adoption. The adoption decree states that the adoptive parents have full legal and parental rights and responsibilities for the child.

Birth Mother’s Guide to Adoption Terms and Phrases 

If you are a woman looking for information on creating a birth plan, we may be able to help! Adoption Choices of Nevada is a licensed adoption agency that provides support and services to all parties involved. We can provide adoption information and support, and guidance as you create a birth plan.

We can also match you and your child with an adoptive family. Our adoption professionals can help you understand your options and make the best decisions for you and your child.

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno)