Customer Reviews

Inside the Adoption Agency: Understanding Intercountry Adoption in the Era of the Hague Convention

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Jean Nelson Erichsen has written a terrific book that is a must read for prospective adoptive parents and adoption professions alike. This short and clear writing is both a tool of education on the history of adoption and the long road that adoption supporters have traveled to provide for the world's children through adoption. It is also an accurate glimpse into the world of the adoption agency and the role that government's and media play in the process. This book provides excellent foundational information for prospective adoption parents as well. It is a reminder to all of us of the standard of practice that we must continue to raise the bar on so that children can continue to find loving homes and families of their own. Adoptive parents need education prior to beginning an adoption- this book is a great place to start. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down for a read that combines personal stories, humor, and factual information on what goes on behind the scenes of adoption.

This book is a concise, yet detailed book into the world of international adoption. The author does a magnificent job of outlining what prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) can expect...and what NOT to expect. She also provides tips/hints to avoid the traps set by unethical agencies (such as baiting parents with photolistings of adorable babies.)

I wish I read this book BEFORE we started our adoption journey in April 2006. We ended up loving and losing three sons by using a fraud in the adoption industry. The co-owner of the agency, Orson Mozes, has feld the country and is charged with 62 felonies. His wife and co-owner of the agency, Christen Brown, although not charged criminally is facing civil litigation(RICO).

You can read about our adoption nightmare [...]. I also have a blog devoted to fighting adoption fraud and there are many well-known advocates who are contributing writers on the blog: [...]

Well done! A MUST read for EVERY PAP!

This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in international adoption-prospective adoptive parents and professionals alike. Written by Jean Nelson Erichsen, the cofounder of the first international adoption agency in Texas, it gives the reader a clear understanding of the history of international adoption, how international adoption agencies work, and the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. One point that comes through loud and clear is the difficulty these agencies have dealing with the whims of foreign governments. The anecdotal stories that are added throughout the book to illustrate key issues help keep the reader's interest. The last chapter, Predicting the Future of International Adoption, is extremeley informative for anyone considering international adoption today. Its explanation of the Hague Convention, how it came about, and what its impact will be on future adoptions will give prospective adoptive parents a better understanding of where international adoption is going and what they may face on their journey to adopt their child.

I found this book very informative and easy to read. It provides a good insight into the adoption practice from all angles start to finish as well as historical information into organized adoption. We are adding this book to our new employee orientation as well as use their other book "How to Adopt Internationally". Inside the Adoption Agency provides information on the new Hague regulations. I highly recommend both books to families considering international adoption as well as agencies seeking training materials for staff.

"Inside the Adoption Agency" provides an informative description of the unique processes, challenges, and systems which influence international adoption. Her use of real life stories from around the globe illustrate important points and yield an engaging treatment of her subject matter.

Cristi Hillis, The CoMission for Children at Risk