Definitions of Terms Used in California Adoptions

Division 13, Part 1 of the California Family Code provides definitions of words and phrases used in adoptions.

Section 8500 specifies that the definitions in this part govern the construction of this division.

Section 8502 defines the term “adoption service provider” and “reasonably available.”

Section 8503 defines the term “adoptive parent.”

Section 8506 defines the term “agency adoption.”

Section 8509 defines the term “applicant.”

Section 8512 defines the term “birth parent.”

Section 8513 defines the term “county adoption agency.”

Section 8514 defines the term “days.”

Section 8515 defines the term “delegated county adoption agency.”

Section 8518 defines the term “department.”

Section 8521 defines the term “full-service adoption agency.”

Section 8524 defines the term “independent adoption.”

Section 8527 defines the term “intercountry adoption.”

Section 8530 defines the term “licensed adoption agency.”

Section 8533 defines the term “noncustodial adoption agency.”

Section 8539 defines the term “place for adoption.”

Section 8542 defines the term “prospective adoptive parent.”

Section 8543 defines the term “qualified court investigator.”

Section 8543 defines the term “special needs child.”

Section 8548 defines the term “stepparent adoption.”