Adoption is the permanent legal assumption of all parental rights and responsibilities for a child. Adoptive parents have the same legal rights and responsibilities as parents whose children are born to them. Guardianship establishes responsibility, which is not permanent, for caring for and financially supporting a child and may be subject to ongoing supervision of the court. For information on non-relative guardianships, contact San Bernardino County Adoption Services at (909) 891-3300 and ask for the Guardianship Worker or Program Supervisor.