Sunday, March 23, 2014

Adoption Terminology

This list is not an effort to be politically correct, but an effort to add sensitivity to the already emotionally-charged process of adoption for all members of the adoption triangle.

Correct/Accurate Adoption Terminology*

Incorrect
Accurate
Real Parent/natural parent
Birthparent
Real mom/real dad
Birthmother/birthfather
Adoptive parent/adoptive mom/adoptive dad
Parents/mom/dad
Adopted child/own child
 
My child
Giving away/relinquishing/putting up for adoption/put up
Making an adoption plan
Keeping the baby
Deciding to parent
Foster child
Child in foster care
Adoptable/eligible/available
Waiting or child in need of a family
Child of their own (very offensive)
Birth child
Foreign adoption
International adoption
Is adopted
WAS adopted
Adopted OUT
Made an adoption plan
 
Real (blood) relative
Birth relative
Raped
Sexually assaulted or sexually abused
Beaten/hit
Physically abused
Adopted OUT OF the foster care system
Adopted through or from the foster care system
Normal child
Typically developing child

*Adapted from National Council for Adoption

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