The definition of adoption is the formation of a new and permanent relationship between an adoptive parent and child. This means that according to the law, there is no difference between an adopted child and a child born into a family.
People find out that they’re adopted in different ways. Today most people find out when they are young and grow up with the story of how their family was formed. However, if there is not ongoing discussion in your family about adoption you might not remember being told. You might find out when you’re older, or find out accidentally—each potentially resulting in many different emotions. However you find out, at some stage you might have mixed emotions about being adopted. Check out some of these fact sheets to learn more:
- Adoption: How You Might Feel About it
- Looking for Your Birth Family
- Deciding to Search for Your Birth Family
