adoption n
1. the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception; "its adoption by society"; "the proposal found wide acceptance" [syn: acceptance, acceptation, espousal]
2. a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit)
3. the appropriation (of ideas or words etc) from another source; "the borrowing of ancient motifs was very apparent" [syn: borrowing]

Adoption \A*dop"tion\, n. [L. adoptio, allied to adoptare to adopt: cf. F. adoption.]
1. The act of adopting, or state of being adopted; voluntary acceptance of a child of other parents to be the same as one's own child.
2. Admission to a more intimate relation; reception; as, the adoption of persons into hospitals or monasteries, or of one society into another.
3. The choosing and making that to be one's own which originally was not so; acceptance; as, the adoption of opinions. --Jer. Taylor.

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Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another who is not kin and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent or parents. Unlike guardianship or other systems designed for the care of the young, adoption is intended to effect a permanent change in status and as such requires societal recognition, either through legal or religious sanction. Historically some societies have enacted specific laws governing adoption whereas others have endeavored to achieve adoption through less formal means, notably via contracts that specified inheritance rights and parental responsibilities. Modern systems of adoption, arising in the 20th century, tend to be governed by comprehensive statutes and regulations.

Adoption has a long history in the Western world, closely tied with the legacy of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church. Its use has changed considerably over the centuries with its focus shifting from adult adoption and inheritance issues toward children and family creation and its structure moving from a recognition of continuity between the adopted and kin toward allowing relationships of lessened intensity.

• Walk for Adoption” to Help Local Children Find Permanent Families - Business Wire
  BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“What makes a house feel like a home?” asks Jordan’s Furniture CEO Eliot Tatelman. “It’s not furniture,” comes the surprising answer, “It’s family. But thousands of kids living right here in Massachusetts are ... Read more on this news related to 'Adoption'
• Walk for Adoption steps off Sunday, May 20 at Jordan's Furniture in Taunton - Abington Mariner
  A Walk Home- The Walk for Adoption will take place Sunday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jordan's Furniture, 450 Revolutionary Road, Taunton.  The non-competitive 5-K walk raises funds and friends for the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE ... Read more on this news related to 'Adoption'
• Give a Forever Home to an Adopted Pet at PetSmart Charities(R) National Adoption Weekend, May 4-6 - Yahoo Finance
  PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire -04/23/12)- Looking to add a pet to your family this spring? Gain a loving companion and save a life by adopting your dog, cat, puppy or kitten at PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend, sponsored by PetSmart ... Read more on this news related to 'Adoption'