Adoption can be one of the most meaningful journeys in life , but it can also come with a lot of unfamiliar terms and legal language. At Unexpected Blessings, we believe that understanding the process helps everyone feel more confident and cared for, whether you’re an expectant parent considering adoption, an adoptive family preparing to welcome a child, or simply someone who wants to learn more.
To help you navigate the process, we’ve created this Adoption Glossary, a simple, compassionate guide to some of the most common adoption-related terms.
Adoption Glossary
Adoption
The legal process through which parental rights and responsibilities are transferred from a child’s biological parents to adoptive parents.
Adoption Agency
A licensed organization that facilitates the adoption process, providing services such as home studies, matching, and counseling.
Adoptive Parents
Individuals who legally become the parents of a child through adoption.
Birth Parents
The biological mother and/or father of a child who is being or has been placed for adoption.
Birth Mother / Birth Father
The woman or man who is the biological parent of a child placed for adoption.
Closed Adoption
An adoption in which identifying information about the birth and adoptive families is not shared, and there is little or no contact between them.
Open Adoption
An adoption that allows some level of ongoing contact or communication between the birth family and the adoptive family, ranging from letters to visits.
Semi-Open Adoption
An adoption with limited contact, often mediated by an adoption agency — for example, updates or photos shared through the agency.
Consent to Adoption
The legal agreement signed by the birth parent(s) allowing the adoption to proceed.
Home Study
An assessment process required for adoptive families that includes interviews, background checks, and home visits to ensure a safe environment for the child.
Matching
The process of connecting expectant parents who wish to make an adoption plan with prospective adoptive parents.
Placement
The moment when a child is placed into the care of the adoptive parents, either temporarily (pre-finalization) or permanently (after finalization).
Finalization
The court hearing where the adoption becomes legally binding and the child officially becomes a member of the adoptive family.
ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children)
A legal agreement among U.S. states that governs the placement of children across state lines for adoption, ensuring proper procedures are followed.
Post-Placement Supervision
Follow-up visits and reports completed by a social worker after the child has been placed but before the adoption is finalized.
Relinquishment
The voluntary termination of parental rights by a birth parent to allow for the child’s adoption.
Revocation Period
A legally defined time frame in which a birth parent may change their mind and revoke consent to the adoption, depending on state laws.
Adoption Plan
A personalized plan created by an expectant or birth parent outlining their wishes for their child’s adoption, including the type of family and contact preferences.
Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs)
Individuals or couples who are in the process of being approved to adopt but have not yet finalized an adoption.
Domestic Adoption
An adoption that takes place within the same country, typically involving U.S. birth parents and U.S. adoptive parents.
International Adoption
An adoption in which a child is adopted from another country.
Foster-to-Adopt
A type of adoption where foster parents adopt a child who was initially placed in their care through the foster care system.
Special Needs Adoption
An adoption involving a child who may have physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, or who is part of a sibling group or older child category.
Adoption Subsidy
Financial assistance provided by the state to help adoptive parents meet the needs of a child adopted from foster care.
Birth Parent Counseling
Supportive counseling provided to birth parents before and after adoption to help process emotions and make informed decisions.
Lifebook
A keepsake book created for or with the child to tell their adoption story and help them understand their life journey.
Adoption Triad
The three parties involved in adoption: the birth family, the adoptive family, and the adoptee.
Adoptee
A person who has been adopted.
Waiting Child
A child who is legally free for adoption but has not yet been matched with an adoptive family.
Adoption Reunion
A meeting between birth family members and adoptees who were separated by adoption, often occurring years later.
Why Understanding Adoption Terms Matters
Every adoption journey is unique — and understanding the language of adoption helps everyone involved feel respected, empowered, and informed. Whether you’re an expectant mother creating an adoption plan or a hopeful adoptive parent preparing to welcome a child, knowing these terms can make the process less overwhelming and more transparent.
At Unexpected Blessings, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with compassion and clarity.
If you’d like to learn more or speak with one of our caring adoption specialists, please contact us today. Together, we can help turn an unexpected situation into a beautiful beginning.
