What Is the Difference Between Adopting & an Orphanage?

Adoption saves children who are stranded without personal care.

Adoption is considered a kind act that rescues unclaimed children from an uncertain future. Orphanages have not enjoyed such a positive reputation, however; they are seen as a less ideal option.

Adoption

Adoption is the legal acquisition of a non-biological child.

Adoption is the answer for individuals and couples who choose to assume the care of a non-biological child for the rest of his life. This is a legal process. Depending on the agency that arranges the adoption, and depending on the wishes of the biological and adoptive parents, the child may or may not be provided contact with and information about his birth parents.

Orphanage

Orphanages are large institutions.

Children whose parents are deceased or missing often end up in institutions that have traditionally been called orphanages. Now referred to as group homes in the United States, these centers often offer therapy and restitution for infants and children who have been abused or neglected. In this case, no particular individual or couple has legal custody of the child.

Considerations

Adoption is preferable to placement in an orphanage.

Orphanages and group homes are not considered an ideal destination for unwanted or abused children. The preferable scenario for any child is legal adoption by a committed and loving individual or couple who pledge to personally care for the child physically and emotionally for life. Group homes are seen as temporary situations until an adoptive family can be found.

References

• Child Welfare: Adoption Overview
• Adoption.com: Orphanage
• Adoption History: Placing Out