Adoption involves a child becoming a permanent part of another family. Legally the links between birth family and the child are broken. Currently more birth families are continuing contact with their child in a change towards greater 'openness' in adoptive situations. This openness may mean contact by arranged visits, telephone, letters or photos between both families.

Adoption may be by a close relative, distant relative, friend or non–relative. The local authority has different roles and processes in each of these situations. The application for adoption needs to be heard formally in court, with an advocate for the child (known as a guardian ad litem) looking at the child's need. The court must be satisfied that making an adoption order is in the best interests of the child.