Adoption is a process in which children legally disassociate from their birthparents, while enduring various emotional and social aspects to become permanent members of different family. Intrinsically, adoption concerns and affects the rights of three distinct “triad members,” the child, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents. Adoption is inherently a lifelong process, which involves numerous ethical issues throughout the course of the journey. At any point, adopted children may decide to learn more about their background, genetic and historical identity. As such, ethical issues shift and converge over time as adopted children become adults. Most importantly, adoptions typically involve minor children, which is why it is imperative that professionals working in the field act with ethical integrity and appropriateness to safeguard the rights of all parties involved during the entire process.
Once adoption becomes a consideration for birthparents, ethical issues present themselves immediately regarding recruitment, preparation, and screening of adoptive parents. Caseworkers, supervisors, and other staff are generally guided by an overarching set of ethical standards to inform their decision-making and conduct when working with children, youth, and families. Relationships with clients and colleagues are based on mutual respect, commitment, and honesty, and take into consideration cultural differences and the right to privacy.