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Adoptee

Definition: An adopted person. Some adopted persons object to being called an "adoptee" because: (1) It distinguishes an adopted child from a birth child in the same family. (One does not say, "This is my birth son, Johnny.") (2) It implies adoption is the central fact of that person's life (which, of course, it may be).

Also Known As:Adopted person, adult adoptee

Related Resources:

Politically Correct Language
Are you PC? Do you care? Decide for yourself if new language surrounding adoption helps or hurts our ability to communicate.

Talking About Adoption
Professional counselors and parents offer suggestions and recommendations for talking to children (and others) about adoption. When to tell a child, how to tell a child, and positive adoption language are included, as well as advice on handling awkward or uninformed questions from well-meaning adults.

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Source/Adapted from: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

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