Disruption is a term used in family and adoption law that refers to the point at which a party – usually the adoptive family – puts a temporary or permanent halt on the adoption process. It typically, but not always, occurs before the adoption is finalized, and can happen for several reasons.
A disruption can occur at any time, even after the child is officially placed with the family. In any case, it officially severs the adoptive family's relationship with the child.
In some situations, the agency involved in the original placement will try to place the child with another family. In others, the adoptive family may transfer custody of the child/children to the state. If that happens, the adoptive parents may still have to make financial contributions toward the child's care until the child turns 18, depending on the provisions in applicable state laws.