ABSTRACT
An overriding principle of modern child welfare policy and practice is that every child deserves a family that provides love, nurturing, and protection. For most children, biological parents provide an adequate family life. When biological parents cannot or are unwilling to provide such an adequate family life, society must assume responsibility for providing alternative forms of care. Over the years, this substitute care system has been developed in broad categories of residential care, foster care, and adoption. Among these alternative forms of care, adoption has been regarded as the most desirable option because it provides a child stability, security, and a psychological sense of belonging (Schulman & Behrman, 1993). Adoption is a legal process that creates a parent-child relationship between individuals who are not biological parent and child, and thus provides a permanent home for a child who cannot be cared for by biological parents (Hollinger, 1991).
