The history of adoption is extensive — in one form or another, adoption has been in existence as long as humans have. Even before it had an official term and was openly celebrated, adoption provided a way for parents who could not care for their children to place them in homes with willing and waiting parents.

When did adoption became a thing?

Check out this timeline: 1851 – The first modern adoption law, the Massachusetts Adoption of Children Act, is passed in the United States. 1891 – Michigan asks judges to investigate before entering final adoption decrees. This practice is later known as a “home study.”

Who was adoption created for?

History of Adoption: Ancient Rome to 1600s

Families with many sons often “adopted” their sons to other noble families in order to forge a coveted family connection. If a family had too many sons, the family's wealth would be spread too thin. Not enough sons and the wealth might revert back to the state.