the adult persons, generally a couple, that adopt and legally take on the job of caring for and raising a child as though it is their son or daughter, through the eyes of the law.

Parents who legally assume responsibility for the rights and privileges of a child not born to them. The duty of caring for the child is transferred from the natural parents to the adoptive parents.

Adults who have been granted responsibility for a child through legal adoptive proceedings that relinquish or terminate the rights of birth parents.