Adopted Child Symbol
A symbol with brackets or dashed lines to parents represents an adopted child
Standard genogram notation for adopted child symbol
How to Use This Symbol
Used to distinguish adoptive relationships from biological ones
When to Use the Adopted Child Symbol
The adopted child symbol is an essential part of standard genogram notation. Proper use of this symbol helps ensure your genogram can be understood by other clinicians, researchers, and family members.
Best Practices
- Always use consistent symbol sizes throughout your genogram
- Place symbols in the appropriate generational row
- Include relevant dates and information near the symbol
- Use standard line connections to show relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the adopted child symbol represent in a genogram?
A symbol with brackets or dashed lines to parents represents an adopted child
When should I use the adopted child symbol?
Used to distinguish adoptive relationships from biological ones
Is the adopted child symbol standardized across all genograms?
Yes, the adopted child symbol is part of widely used genogram notation, based on the conventions described by Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson and colleagues. Using consistent symbols helps clinicians, researchers and family members read your genogram the same way.
Create Your Genogram
Use the adopted child symbol and all standard symbols with our intuitive genogram creator.
Download for iPhone, iPad & MacGenogram notation based on the conventions described by McGoldrick, Gerson and Petry in Genograms: Assessment and Treatment (W. W. Norton). Genogram Creator is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the authors or the publisher.