L'évolution de l'adoption en France : entre filiation et parentalité

In this article, we describe the evolution of laws and practices in adoption, from the beginning of the 19th century in France : how the search of descent has evolved into the search of parenthood, as adoptive parents took the place of genuine parents. This form of substitution, as we find it in legal exclusive adoption, is challenged nowadays in some occidental countries by open adoption. Its limits are particularly visible when adoption of older children is concerned.