--- title: Adoption - What Does It Mean? description: What does adoption mean and what is the process to adopt? image: https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hubfs/mom_and_baby.jpeg --- ![holding-hands-918990_960_720-2](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hs-fs/hubfs/holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg?width=959&name=holding-hands-918990_960_720-2.jpg "holding-hands-918990_960_720-2") # Family Connections, Inc. Blog #### Let us help you. # [Adoption - What Does It Mean?](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-what-does-it-mean) ![close](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/AK-UI%20Builder/close-button.svg) ### Categories - [adopt a child (88)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopt-a-child) - [adoptees (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptees) - [adopting older children (6)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-older-children) - [adopting the older child (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adopting-the-older-child) - [adoption (230)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption) - [adoption attorneys (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-attorneys) - [adoption choices (71)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-choices) - [adoption costs (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-costs) - [adoption dossier (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-dossier) - [adoption from foster care (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-from-foster-care) - [adoption help (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-help) - [adoption information (49)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-information) - [adoption law (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-law) - [adoption options (73)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-options) - [adoption paperwork (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-paperwork) - [adoption profile (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-profile) - [adoption questions (17)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-questions) - [adoption resources (24)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-resources) - [adoption services (97)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-services) - [adoption support (18)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoption-support) - [adoptive families (43)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-families) - [adoptive family (40)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-family) - [adoptive parent (39)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parent) - [adoptive parents (13)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/adoptive-parents) - [affording adoption (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/affording-adoption) - [Belize Adoption (9)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/belize-adoption) - [Binghamton (36)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/binghamton) - [birth families (15)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-families) - [birth family (11)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-family) - [birth mother (86)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-mother) - [birth parent (72)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/birth-parent) - [Bulgaria Adoption (10)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/bulgaria-adoption) - [creating a profile (2)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/creating-a-profile) - [domestic adoption (106)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/domestic-adoption) - [expedited (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/expedited) - [families waiting to adopt (20)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/families-waiting-to-adopt) - [Family Connections, Inc. 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[transition (1)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/transition) - [Ukraine adoption (8)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/ukraine-adoption) - [unplanned pregnancy (5)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/unplanned-pregnancy) - [what is a home study (3)](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/topic/what-is-a-home-study) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Popular Stories [Writing Adoption Reference Letters](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/writing-reference-letters-for-adoption) Aug 18, 2015 [What Names Do You Put In The Aka Or Alias Section Of Forms?](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/what-names-do-you-put-in-the-aka-or-alias-section-of-forms) Mar 22, 2016 [Writing Adoption Reference Letters: Tips and Examples](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/writing-adoption-reference-letters-tips-and-examples) Jan 23, 2024 [Adoption Reference Letters - How To](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-reference-letters-how-to) Dec 18, 2015 [Common Terms in Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/common-terms-in-adoption) May 17, 2016 Categories | Subscribe | Populars - ** - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fadoption-what-does-it-mean) - [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fadoption-what-does-it-mean) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/adoption-what-does-it-mean) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptfamilyconnections.org%2Fblog%2Fadoption-what-does-it-mean) Written by Nancy S on August 11, 2015   ![mom_and_baby](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/hubfs/mom_and_baby.jpeg) When you look to define what adoption means you come across several applications of the word.  Perhaps the most fitting is “the act of taking something on as your own, embracing ideas and habits”.  The word adoption comes from the Old French word adoptare, meaning “to choose for oneself.” As an adoptive parent, I can say this was a choice we made for ourselves, something we longed to do and after researching our options we set forth to make it happen if it was meant to be. Adoption is much more than the definition, the way that this child can impact your life is profound.  Adoption can bring joy beyond belief, it can also bring challenges but staying knowledgeable and preparing for these challenges will make this journey easier.   If you are considering adoption, explore and research the options available to you.  You may be contemplating adopting an infant or even an older child.  You may choose to [adopt internationally](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/bid/206358/Adoption-Services-for-Families-Adopting-Internationally) (inter-country) or [adopt domestically](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/domestic-adoptions), and even within these two types of adoption there are many options.    When considering domestic adoption, you can either adopt a child from the social welfare system all across the United States or you can choose to adopt an infant that has been surrendered by his/her birth parents either through an agency adoption or a private adoption with an attorney.  Domestic infant adoption can involve a closed, open or semi-open relationship with the birth parents. These two avenues are very different and with research on your part you can learn what best fits your family.  Talking with adoption professionals who can help you understand the myriad of options available to you and what the process involved is, can help you better determine the adoption plan that best fits your family. For more information on domestic adoption you can download our booklet Adoption Option by clicking on the link below or call us at Family Connections, Inc. to discuss the adoption options available to you.   [![Click me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/159841/cd2b9432-8da6-46c9-a9be-660e780979f9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/159841/cd2b9432-8da6-46c9-a9be-660e780979f9)   International adoption is the adoption of a child from another country outside the United States, typically the adoption of a child 9 months of age or older.  There are children that have the potential for normal growth and development living in orphanages all over the world that are in need of forever families.  They are living day to day with no one to call their own, they want families to love and care for them and give them the food, opportunities and medical care that they so desperately need. There are children who are considered “waiting children” who have specific needs or medical needs and/or may be older and they are waiting for a family to provide them the special care and attention they need. For more information on the countries open for international adoption please see our Guide to International Adoption.  If you are of Pakistani heritage there are exciting options for you to adopt infants under twelve months of age from Pakistan. Call Family Connections to talk about your options.   [![Click Here to Receive Your FreeGuide to](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/159841/686a68f5-f93d-4e6b-afbd-9b99b64d4458.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/159841/686a68f5-f93d-4e6b-afbd-9b99b64d4458)   The most important thing you can do is stay diligent and involved if you decide to adopt a child. Keeping in close contact with your adoption agency and keeping up with the latest adoption information can help you achieve your goal of building your family through adoption and becoming an adoptive family.    Family Connections, Inc. is an authorized New York State adoption agency that has achieved Hague Accreditation from the Council on Accreditation has been providing adoption services for the past twenty years to families adopting domestically and internationally.  The agency provides home study services and post-adoption supervision and support services for families adopting domestically and internationally.  The agency also has a domestic infant placement program.   Family Connections, Inc. would be honored to support your family's adoption plan.  Please contact Anita or Renee at 607-756-6574 or [info@adoptfamilyconnections.org](mailto:info@adoptfamilyconnections.org) to learn more about your adoption options and the agency's adoption services.  The agency provides services to families throughout New York State, including but not limited to, Cortland, Syracuse, Watertown, Albany, Rochester, Binghamton, Elmira, Corning, Ithaca, and the New York City area.  For Pakisan opportunities we provide services in all states across the United States.   [![Click me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/159841/fc170736-a599-45d5-92dc-08ab4ff2dbc7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/159841/fc170736-a599-45d5-92dc-08ab4ff2dbc7)   ![Subscribe](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2432204/99%20Template%20Pack/Background%20Images/message.svg "Subscribe") ### Subscribe to Stay Connected ### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. ### You may also like: ## [Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption: Understanding the Difference](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/open-adoption-vs.-closed-adoption-understanding-the-difference) What is the difference between open and closed adoptions ? ## [Easing Back to School Anxiety in Kids: Strategies for Parents](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/tips-to-ease-back-to-school-anxiety-in-kids-strategies-for-parents) It is that time of year again! Some children will be heading back to school soon and some have a few more weeks of summe... ## [The Emotional Rollercoaster of Adoption](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/the-emotional-rollercoaster-of-adoption) Journey through the emotional highs and lows of the adoption process, and discover how to handle them with grace and res... ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2432204/hubfs/99%20Template%20Pack/newsletter_bg.jpeg?width=2000&name=newsletter_bg.jpeg) ## Subscribe to Stay Connected There is always more to learn when it comes to adoption! ### Subscribe to Email Updates    [I'm Pregnant](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/im-pregnant/) / [Waiting Families](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/waiting-families/) / [I Want to Adopt](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/i-want-to-adopt/) / [Resources](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/resources/) / [Our Staff](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/our-staff/) / [Contact Us](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/contact-us/) / [Blog](https://www.adoptfamilyconnections.org/blog/)    Call Today!  607-756-6574   © 2019 Family Connections, Inc. 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