Adoption:  Taking custody of a child, incorporating them into the family and creating a parent/child relationship while giving them all the rights (including inheritance) of a natural child.  Procedures may differ based upon how the child comes to the adoption procedure – either by an agency specializing in adoption or from a relative or other private party.   Parties wishing to adopt must file an adoption petition.  The natural parents must put their decision in writing, unless the child has been abandoned for a long period of time. Older children may have a say in the proceedings.  Before a child may be adopted, factors such as parental suitability, home situation, relationship status and general health of the adoptive parent(s) is taken into account. 

For more information and frequently asked questions about adoption in Rhode Island, see the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families web site

For Massachusetts adoptions, information can be found at the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services web site