The authors first outline regulations in the Polish law concerning responsibility for children conveyed to parents, social organizations, and the state. It then discusses the regulations of the law on family relations that do not correspond with the Convention, followed by an explanation of significant changes in the law made after the Convention came into force. Some examples of the Convention applied in practice are presented. The primary difference between the Polish law and the Convention is the reservation to Article 7 of the Convention, which was enforced by the Polish government during ratification. Poland entered a reservation to the effect that the adopted child's right to meet his/her biological parents remains limited because of laws that allow adoptive parents to keep the child's origins secret. The decision to inform the adopted child about the fact of being adopted lies with the adoptive parents. There are other areas where the content of Polish law departs from the Convention. The matter which most shocks Polish public opinion is the limited enforcement of the Convention on the significant matter of the organization and adjournment of international adoption. A further concern is the low detection rate for crimes against children, especially when the perpetrators are parents or other persons on whom children depend. Although financial problems have constrained the Polish government in implementing Convention standards, some positive steps have been taken to reduce infant mortality, improve services for children with special needs, enhance health care for children, upgrade the educational system, and help children of refugees. 30 notes