The perceived needs of adoptive and biologic parents were investigated by questionnaire in this exploratory, descriptive study. Fifteen adoptive and 15 biologic parents were surveyed about their perception of their informal, emotional, and judgment-developmental needs. Variables such as age, sex, numbers of other children, and the parents' feeling of preparedness for parenting were studied.Results of the study revealed that adoptive parents perceived fewer needs than biologic parents in all categories. Sex of the parent did not correlate with a specific category of need. Age of the parent was significant for adoptive parents. Number of other children correlated significantly for both groups. Previous child-care experience and perceived preparation for parenting correlated significantly for adoptive parents. Preparation for parenthood correlated significantly for both adoptive and biologic parents.