Why are Adults who were Adopted described as 'Adopted Children"?

Question

in the media, society and sometimes to describe themselves?

Answer 1

Well they were children when they were adopted - to my knowledge there's not much call for adopting adults.

It might be more obvious to say "They were adopted" or "They were an adopted child".

But we know what they mean.

Answer 2

I am adopted.  Some things are different.  You can not look back at your families medical history.  You do not have a Birth Certificate, you have a Certificate of Adoption (have fun when applying for a job).  I tried to get information on my real parents, but a lady in Lansing, Michigan, my state capitol, would not give me the information.  In some things, we are different and have problems because of this.  So I guess I am an "Adopted Child."  Meaning we are different from other children.  Maybe they are referring to unwanted children?  I am going to ask a question to see if anyone knows how to find their real identity if they are adopted.

Answer 3

Why wouldn't we be?  We're never grown-up enough to see our own birth certificates after all.  (-:

I wonder if it also has anything to do with an idea some people have expressed to me that adoptees are seen by some as rather "sheltered" people "overprotected" by our a'parents?

Answer 4

Who knows.  Maybe we should be referred to as "Adult Children of Adoption" - kinda like 'Adult Children of Alcoholics'...LOL

Since we still need our mommy's written permission in some states to get a copy of our ORIGINAL birth certificates, we remain in a constant state of childhood, no matter what age we reach.  

I have grandkids and STILL I'll need my a.mother's written permission to obtain a copy of my OBC.  

Oh well...What do you think?

Answer 5

because they were adopted when they were children

Answer 6

Adopted when they were children

Answer 7

Even though I am an adult, I can still be referred to as my parent's child. I don't think there is anything sinister about that.

Answer 8

No matter how old we get, we are always someones child.

Just my opinion.

I know that adoptees want to escape from the "adopted children" label.

Answer 9

As I understand it, adoption is supposed to be an event.  Meaning they were adopted (past tense) as children.  But alternatively, I think adult adoptees works better.

Answer 10

It's not just adopted children that get a label. It's like calling someone an only child, the oldest child, the middle child, baby sister or brother.  There's nothing derogatory about it, it's just another way to classify people.

Answer 11

Because they were adopted when they were just a child

Answer 12

What I want to know is why mention that the person was adopted when it's not necessary?  I've heard people tell stories & they add, "and their child was adopted" or whatever when it's totally irrelevant to the story.  As a mom of an "adoptee" (or whatever) I find that irritating.

Answer 13

I would assume because they were adopted as children, you can not to the best of my knowledge adopt an adult...

Answer 14

What? You mean we aren't still children? We are allowed to grow up? HORSE FEATHERS!

Adopted children are to forever remain children, never allowed to become full, adult, members of society. We are denied basic rights that all other adults have... such as our right to our past, heritage, family, medical information and birth certificates.

Excuse me, I have to go get a bum change and a ba-ba now.

Answer 15

Because they were adopted when they were children. If they were called "Adopted Adults" it would make them sound like they were adopted as adults, which would be awkward

Answer 16

Because they are the children of the people who adopted them. Just as you are the child of your parents, however old you get.

Answer 17

i guess because it's a part of who they are

Answer 18

Because...they were adopted...

Answer 19

IMO...(absent foster adoption, or abuse/neglect)

adoptees are viewed as "forever children", whose sole purpose was to be "children" for couples who could not have children of their own. they were never supposed to grow up, and to be eternally grateful for being "saved" and "chosen."

in the US, adoption is rarely about the adoptee; hence, the reason why many can't obtain birth certificates and  information regarding their natal familes.

it's sick.

Answer 20

Since coming to this site I have learned to call all adoptees "adoptees"--my children included. I had just never heard the term before.  It's just one of so MANY things I've learned here!  :o)