Adoption: Exploring Adoption

In this section:

Things the Mothers of Chinese Adoptees Should Know
The trafficking mentality of some Chinese welfare institutions speaks volumes about the objectifying of children. Although this isn't a happy topic, adoptive parents of children from China need to know about these issues. There will come a time when small children grow up and access to the Internet brings them in direct contact with child trafficking stories. There are things the mothers of Chinese Adoptees should know before this happens.

The Heart of a Child is a Scroll
A lovely poem by an unknown author particularly good for parents of a child coming to a family through adoption.

Why Your Foreign Born Child Needs Proof of Citizenship
As a result of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), many foreign born children by adoption who reside in the U.S. have or will become U.S. citizens under the CCA either when they enter the U.S. or when they are readopted or their adoption finalized in the U.S.

Guides to Adoption: Credentials and Qualifications by Patricia I. Johnston
What makes a good adoption agency, how do you decide which agency or whether to adopt privately. In this lengthy article Pat Johnson will lead you through the maze and give you some solid suggestions on what you should look for before you decide how to pursue an adoption.

Children First: Making the Paradigm Shift from Infertility to Adoption By Patricia Irwin Johnston, MS
Making the adjustment from medical procedures to adoption is complex. Pat Johnston loans her expertise to what those who want to adopt after infertility need to know in order to be successful

Patricia Irwin Johnston, MS
Pat has been advising, supporting, writing and speaking about adoption for many years. Read about her experiences and contact her for help, support and direction.

Adoption Recommended Reading List for those just starting out.
This list is for those who are actively exploring adoption. Those who are more advanced may also find this a good list to build on.

Transracial and Transcultural Adoption: A Lifetime Journey, How do I decide?
by Beth Hall and Gail Steinberg
When you are considering a domestic or international placement, this kind of adoption raises different questions than adoptions where children look just like their parents. Parenting is a developmental process. You won't have all the answers at the beginning.

The Legal Rights of Birth Fathers in an Adoption
by Amy Silverberg

Adopt-a Campaigns: Why they are not respectful
by Jane Brown, MSW
Dislike of and complaints about Adopt A.. campaigns often cause controversy within adoptive parent groups. Some parents write or say that they don't mind them, others detest them, others say that they think they positively influence people to think adoption is terrific.