Once a Court has approved an adoption, the adopting parents are legally the parents of that child, responsible for the support, maintenance and education of the child. Adoptions, when final, are permanent and the child

If a child has had no contact or support from a natural parent, a step parent who has been filling the void may want to adopt. Such an adoption provides the child with more security and stability and the certainty that she/he will be cared for if the involved parent cannot continue to rear the child.

Sometimes children have been neglected, abused or their natural parents cannot care for them. The Department of Social Services may have become involved and placed the children with someone other than their natural parents. Foster parents or relatives who care for the children may want to provide them with a permanent, loving home by adopting them. Sometimes relatives find themselves caring for children more than the children