Person who was adopted. Frequently refers to an adopted person who is now an adult.

Legal transfer of parental rights and obligations from birth parent(s) to adoptive parent(s).

Person who legally assumes the rights and obligations of parenting an adopted child.

The birth family is composed of those sharing a child’s genetic heritage.

Document written by a child's caseworker to provide a prospective adoptive family with comprehensive information about the child, including family history; medical, psychological and educational assessments; history of previous placements; and daily routines.

In Ontario, a public child welfare agency funded by government and responsible for protecting Ontario children, finding foster

Legal permission by a birth parent for an adoption to proceed.

Form of adoption specific to aboriginal peoples, taking place within the aboriginal community and recognizing traditional customs.

Form of kinship care specific to aboriginal communities.

In the field of adoption search and reunion, the release from government files of previously confidential or unshared information, such as identifying information.