[Some reflexions to guide the parents toward adoption].

The successive steps of the long way facing all French couples applying for child adoption are described. Main problems are the legal adoption authorization, the origin of children (French children under the care of the State, foreign children either through private institutions or after an individual approach). Pediatricians play an important role in counselling and evaluating the health status of the children (study of medical files, requests for biochemical tests) before the formal decision is made.