Adoption as we know is a process in which another person cares for another, often a child, who is not kin. Adoption occurs when the original parent(s) are unable to care for the child. Adoption is a legal process that can take several months before it is legally complete.
In the United States there are orphanages and foster homes where individuals may find a child to adopt. There are also personalized adoptions where a mother may choose the new parent. Adoption can also be completed outside of the United States in foreign countries. Couples who cannot have children may seek a child from a lesser developed country like China to adopt. In this way the child has a new life with parents who care for them.