Correct/Accurate Adoption Terminology*

Incorrect

Accurate

Real Parent/natural parent

Birthparent

Real mom/real dad

Birthmother/birthfather

Adoptive parent/adoptive mom/adoptive dad

Parents/mom/dad

Adopted child/own child

My child

Giving away/relinquishing/putting up for adoption/put up

Making an adoption plan

Keeping the baby

Deciding to parent

Foster child

Child in foster care

Adoptable/eligible/available

Waiting or child in need of a family

Child of their own (very offensive)

Birth child

Foreign adoption

International adoption

Is adopted

WAS adopted

Adopted OUT

Made an adoption plan

Real (blood) relative

Birth relative

Raped

Sexually assaulted or sexually abused

Beaten/hit

Physically abused

Adopted OUT OF the foster care system

Adopted through or from the foster care system

Normal child

Typically developing child