This tip sheet helps families understand the key differences between adoption and guardianship. Adoption creates a lifelong parent-child relationship with full legal rights, while guardianship offers temporary legal rights without cutting off the child’s connection to their biological parents.

Learn about the key differences between adoption and guardianship, including financial responsibility, parental rights, and permanency considerations. There is also a list of questions to help families evaluate how adoption or guardianship will impact their lives, including considerations about the child’s last name, their opinion, financial responsibilities, and the long-term relationship with the child.

The article concludes with a list of additional resources, including books, tip sheets, and training sessions, to help families navigate the decision-making process.

 

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Author: Wisconsin Family Connections Center
Additional Author: Coalition for Children, Youth & Families