Adopting a family member, commonly known as a kinship adoption, can benefit not only the child, but also the extended family. When a parent dies, becomes unable to care for the child, or the child ends up in the foster care system, a kinship adoption can preserve the bonds of family and smooth the transition for the child into a new life. Kinship adoptions can be complicated and usually require legal assistance to complete. However, there are many steps you can take to make the process go smoother.