The Adoption Resource Book, 4th edition (Paperback)

~ (Author) "So begins The Chosen Baby, Valentina P. Wasson' adoption classic for parents to read with their young children..." (more)
Key Phrases: interstate compact administrator, legal risk adoption, photolisting book, United States, New York, National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lois Gilman hasn't missed a thing in this comprehensive, informative and well-organized source of information. -- Ours

Product Description

With the heart of an adoptive mother and the eye of a journalist, Lois Gilman navigates the often complicated but ultimately fulfilling world of adopting a child.

This practical, wise, and encouraging book contains all the information a couple or an individual needs to investigate adoption alternatives, arrange for and complete a successful adoption, and raise an adoptive family. Beginning with a broad overview of options for both domestic and foreign adoption, the author provides details about agencies, home studies, paperwork, and legal issues. Also covered are procedures for agency and independent adoptions as well as concerns about intercountry adoption, special-needs children, preparing for a child's arrival, and longer term questions about the impact of adoption on your family over the years.

This newly revised fourth edition features:

• more information on open adoption and creating the relationship with birth parents that's right for you and your child;

• the latest on financing an adoption, including loans, government subsidies, and tax credits;

• the best sources for pursuing an international adoption;

• new stories throughout from birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adopted children to illustrate adoption issues today, and a detailed bibliography for further reading;

• and completely updated listings of over a thousand domestic agencies, parent groups, information exchanges, and public service offices.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; 4 Sub edition (October 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062733613
• ISBN-13: 978-0062733610
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #199,549 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Been there....., November 3, 1999

By A Customer

I picked up an earlier version of Gilman's book and used it as our 'bible' when going through the adoption process. Our homestudy case worker was astounded at all the prework we had done. We knew what she was going to ask and had already discussed our feelings about issues and had the paperwork ready for her. I have given my book to several others who were contemplating adoption. Now that we are initiating a second adoption ourselves, I am sending for the new and improved version of this book to help us out. Thank you, Lois Gilman!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Adoption Resource Book by Lois Gilman, October 21, 2002

By A Customer

We found this book to be the most comprehensive and informative book we read in preparing to adopt. We felt very prepared for all the paperwork, were able to ask questions we would not likely have even thought of on our own, and were able to make informed choices throughout the process. It is well written and speaks to the reader in a very clear manner. We no longer own our copy, as we have passed it on to a friend who is adopting. We would recommend this to everyone considering adoption. Adoption can be very confusing and stressful. This book armed us with the kind of information we needed to be prepared.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intelligent & captivating guide, October 1, 2001

By	RM (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

My husband and I found this a highly informative reference book that also has soul. In contrast, I found the Idiot's Guide to be insulting in its simplicity. To accompany this and other references, I recommend reading first-hand accounts of adoption, which focus on the emotional side. For example, in East Meets West, a father's story of going to China to meet and bring home his daughter, brought tears to my eyes--a wonderful reminder of why we want to head down this path.