Genogram Maker
Genogram symbols

Adoption Symbol in a Genogram

An adopted child is connected to the adoptive parents’ partner line with a dashed line instead of a solid one. If the birth parents are known and relevant, draw them as a separate couple with a solid line to the child as well.

Father46Mother44Son14Daughter10
Fig. 1 — Adoption example在编辑器里打开
  • Adopted
  • Foster

What it means

  • Dashed child line = adopted; dotted = foster; solid = biological.
  • Some practitioners add brackets around the adopted child’s symbol. If you do, put it in the key.

Compared with similar symbols

BiologicalSolid line.
AdoptedDashed line.
FosterDotted line.

When to use it

  • Adopted children, including adoption by a step-parent.
  • Open adoptions where the birth family is part of the story.

Common mistakes

  • Using the same dashed line for foster children, which have their own dotted line.
  • Leaving out the birth family when the assignment is about identity.

Genogram Maker draws this symbol for you and adds it to the key automatically. Open the example above and edit it.