Children cannot choose their biological parents, so it might happen that their parents are not full of age, are deprived of legal capacity, lack the capacity to make decisions, or are parents who neglect or abuse their children. It is precisely why Social Service Departments exist, along with courts who have the authority to take the necessary actions in order to protect children's rights and well-being, which could include the extreme measure of removing the parental responsibility. In the Republic of Croatia, parental consent for adoption is defined by Family Law. Unless otherwise defined by law, parental consent is a prerequisite for putting up a child for adoption. Biological parents find it difficult to cope with their child being placed for adoption as it means they would lose their child. It is the state's responsibility to protect the children whose life in their biological family is either disrupted or no longer possible. All decisions made by the state are administered by the state's institutions. The state is obliged to do its utmost to benefit the child's well-being and future life. If a parent is deprived of legal capacity and cannot comprehend the concept of parental consent for adoption, a court decision can supersede their consent. Cases of biological parents giving consent for adoption are extremely rare, whilst the procedures of removing parental responsibility are extremely lengthy.