The goal of today's genetic engineers is to map chromosomes and to correct hereditary defects with genetic repair or replacement. When couples are not able to conceive, they will often go to great lengths to have their own children. This link defines infertility and explains the three levels of specialized care. Couples who are not totally set on having their own children can adopt. Although it is not high, the risk of initial adoption failure is greatest for handicapped and older children.
Adopted children have more emotional and learning problems than occur in the general population.
In spite of this, most adopted children have happy childhoods and grow up to be well-adjusted adults. The child's environment consists of many influences that combine to affect the course of development. These factors include family, friends, school experiences, and society in general. The social systems perspective views the family as a complex system in which the behaviors of each family member affect those of other family members. Family members can affect one another directly and indirectly.