Adoption Trivia

When it comes to adoption there are a lot of unanswered questions. To those new to the adoption world or those who are just interested, it can all be a bit confusing. Let’s play a game of adoption trivia and get familiar with some of the terms.

1. What does the term “adoption triad” mean?

A. a three-sided baby toy

B. the three parties involved in an adoption

C. a three-year-old adoptee

The correct answer is B. The three parties involved in adoption are the birth mother, the adoptive parent, and the adoptee. Collectively, this is referred to as the adoption triad. The adoptive parent is the person who adopted the child and has all legal rights involving the child after the adoption is finalized. The adoptee refers to the infant or child who was adopted. The birth parent is the biological parent who chose to place the child for adoption.

2. What is an open adoption?

A. an adoption where the adoptive parent and the birth mother meet and stay in contact after the baby is born

B. an adoption where the records are sealed and opened later

C. an adoption where there is no contact before or after the baby is born

The correct answer is A. In the event of an adoption, the expectant mother often chooses who her baby’s parents will be. Once that decision is made, they meet and decide if they all want to continue the adoption process. The potential adoptive parents will sometimes attend the birth. That decision is usually made ahead of time. Following the delivery of the baby, the biological parent will have continued contact with the adoptive parents throughout the child’s life. An agreement between the two parties will decide how much contact there will be.

3. What is Family Day?

A. a day to celebrate the anniversary of the day the adoption is finalized or the day of placement

B. the day the child is born

C. a day to play hide and seek with your adopted children

The answer is A. Family Day is celebrated by some adoptive families as the day a child’s adoption was finalized or made legal.

4. What is the proper term for a woman who is pregnant and considering placing her baby for adoption?

A. birth mother

B. expectant mother

C. adoptive mother

The correct answer is B. The term birth mother is used only after an adoption has been completed. Until then, she is referred to as the expectant mother. The adoptive mother is the woman who adopts the child.

5. What is the difference between foster care and adoption?

A. foster care is permanent

B. in foster care the biological parents’ rights have been terminated

C. adoption is permanent and all rights are given to the adoptive parents

The correct answer is C. In foster care, the child’s legal guardian typically maintains all parental rights unless determined otherwise by a judge. Although managed by the state, the rights remain intact unless the child is placed for adoption. Once an adoption is finalized, parental rights are transferred to the adoptive parents. 

6. What is included in an adoptive parent profile?

A. a letter to the expectant mother

B. an introduction about you and your family

C. both A and B

The correct answer is C. When you are asked as a prospective adoptive family to submit a profile, it should include a letter explaining your desires and reasons for wanting to adopt. This is very personal and comes from the heart. It is becoming more common for both prospective parents to write a letter. The profile should contain your family history, plans for raising the child, and anything relevant to you and the family that the baby will be brought into. It should include photos of the family and activities they enjoy doing. This is the first impression the expectant mother gets of the adoptive family and is very important.

7. What is a home study?

A. an inspection of the structure of the home

B. an estimated value of your home

C. a study of the prospective family and their home

The correct answer is C. Prior to adoption of any kind, a home study needs to be completed by an authorized agency in the state where you reside. This includes extensive paperwork and a thorough investigation of the prospective home and family. Upon completion and acceptance, the family may be approved for adoption.

8. What is a domestic infant adoption?

A. the adoption of a child born in the United States

B. the adoption of a child born out of the United States

C. a child adopted from a relative

The correct answer is A. Domestic infant adoption refers to the adoption of a child in the United States. The adoption of a child from out of the country is referred to as an inter-country or international adoption. Kinship adoption is when a family member adopts the baby or child.

When considering placing a child for adoption or becoming an adoptive parent, it is necessary to become familiar with these terms and proper adoption language. Agencies like the Gladney Center for Adoption can help answer any questions and provide services and guidance along the adoption path. Other information can be found at Adoption.com. It is important to be well informed before making any decision regarding adoption. Talking to agencies and other families who have adopted or placed a baby for adoption can also be beneficial in making choices regarding adoption. 

If adoption is something that may be in your future, learn all you can before making the first step in your adoption journey.