Adoption is a legal procedure to create a parent-child relationship where the child is placed permanently in the hands of the parent. Here the child and the parent are not related biologically. Through an adoption order the responsibilities of the biological parents are shifted to the adoptive parents. Thus, adoption creates a parent-child relationship valid for all practical legal purposes. The adopted child automatically becomes eligible for availing all the rights of a natural legitimate child.

      Apparently it becomes the duty of the adoptive parents to support and care for the child and to provide necessary education. While considering a petition on child adoption a judge considers and decides on the basis of the best interests of the child and is least bothered about the benefits accrued to the adopting parents.

      The Multiethnic Placement Act (1994) made adoption illegal if is made only for matching racial or ethnic background of the child. Other important adoption laws that provide for child welfare and parents’ duties are Uniform Adoption Act of 1969 and Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980,

       Since unwed motherhood has been legalized, prospective parents find it difficult to adopt a young infant. There are several volunteer organizations and non-governmental organizations that work day and night to expedite and simplify the permanent placement of children without homes into healthy homes. Anybody who wants to adopt a child can take help and assistance of these institutions. It is always advisable to have prior knowledge of laws relating to child adoption and child support before adopting a child since these laws are complex and very difficult to interpret at times.