encyclopedia of adoption

relinquishment

Voluntarily forfeiting or terminating one's parental rights to a child for the purpose of adoption. This term is considered negative by some adoption professionals who believe it implies the birthparent has not considered the child's future when, in fact, the birthparent usually has given very serious and lengthy consideration to the child's future life. Those who are critical of the word "relinquishment" may prefer "giving consent" for an adoption or "transferring parental rights and obligations."

An involuntary forfeiture of rights is called TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS and usually results from the caretaker's abuse or neglect of a child and the inability of the parent or caretaker to overcome the problems that led to the child's removal from the home.

Find more information on relinquishment


Click here for more information


Ready for Adoption?
Adoption Network Law Center
Adoption Network Law Center
Want to Adopt? Click here.
Click here to be helped in California!
Adoption Network Law Center
Pregnant? Click here.
Adoption Network Law Center