Adoption via the Child Welfare System

This entry describes the general phenomenon of adoption from the child welfare system and specifically by LGBTQ people. It explains the basis for those relationships in terms of adoption practice and highlights the emerging changes in policies and practices that have impacted LGBTQ people’s experiences in adoption. The entry identifies the important qualities of adoption and highlights some of the key variables of adoption.

Adoption is defined as a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child or youth, from that person’s biological or legal parent or parents, and, in so doing, permanently transfers all the rights and responsibilities, along with filiations, from the biological parent or parents. Unlike legal guardianship or other systems designed for the care of the young, adoption ...