Adoptive families refer to those in which one or more children are part of the family through adoption. Adoption is a legal process by which an individual assumes the parenting of another person's child, and becomes that child’s legal guardian. This can occur through various means such as fostering, step-parent adoptions, international adoptions, or private placements with families who have gone through the formal adoption process. Adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes, and may include children of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. The bond between adoptive parents and their adopted child is just as strong as that between biological parents and their child, and can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.