Adoptés

Adoptés is the French term for individuals who have been legally taken into a family other than their birth family through adoption. In legal terms, adoption creates a binding parent-child relationship that transfers parental rights and duties from birth parents to the adoptive parents. The adopted person becomes a member of the adoptive family, with rights and duties often equivalent to those of a biological child, depending on the jurisdiction.

Adoption can be domestic or international and may be final (plenary) or conditional (simple) under different legal frameworks. Plenary adoption typically ends the birth family's rights and creates lifelong parental status for the adoptive parents, while simple adoption may leave some connections with the birth family. Other categories include stepchild adoption and open versus closed adoption, relating to post-placement contact and information sharing.

Legal procedures usually require court authorization, background checks, and the consent of birth parents where possible, with variations by country. Adoption can affect citizenship, a change of surname, and inheritance rights, and may influence access to birth records.

Identity and records: Access to birth records and the ability to learn about birth origins vary widely. Some systems keep records closed; others permit non-identifying information or later contact with birth relatives. Open adoptions encourage ongoing relationships between birth and adoptive families.

Social and psychological aspects: Adoption is a long-term family formation process. Adopted individuals may experience questions of identity, heritage, and belonging, and many communities offer support networks and counseling. In many countries, adoption is recognized as a legitimate and enduring form of family.