Glossary of Terms

An individual who is: (1) Related within the fifth degree of consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage or adoption) to the parent or stepparent of a child. (2) At least 21 years of age.

When a parent or guardian voluntarily gives up legal rights and responsibilities to a child.

A legal document stating a family’s intention to adopt, filed in the court of common pleas by the attorney representing an adoptive family or the CYS attorney handling the adoption.

A family who provides temporary foster or kinship care for children who need out-of-home placement and may eventually provide permanency for those children, including as an adoptive family.

A database where all foster, formal kinship and adoptive parent applicants must be registered as established by Act 160 of 2004.

A database where all foster, formal kinship and adoptive parent applicants must be registered as established by Act 160 of 2004.