Library of Articles: Adopting
Library of articles and features for those interested in adopting a child. Already in the process? See also articles to help you
prepare to welcome your child/ren.
10 Steps to Realizing Your Adoption Goals - Every Time! Thinking about adopting isn't going to get it done. A successful journey to adoption requires reachable goals, and adoption professional Mardie Caldwell has ten steps to help you get there.
A Scottish Adoption Journey While unusual, a three-year journey through the assessment process isn't unheard of for those hoping to adopt in Scotland. Read about the process, laws, and children in care.
Adopting a Substance-Exposed Child Adopting a child prenatally exposed to drugs, alcohol, or other substances can occur in infant and older child adoptions, domestic or international, public, private, or independent. Resources for parents before, during, and after adoption.
Adopting a Waiting Child The steps to adopting a waiting child in the U.S. foster care system are similar to those in private agency and independent adoption, with some important differences. A step-by-step guide.
Adopting? Ask the Hard Questions Adopting parents often rely on agencies and adoption professionals to tell them everything, but information can be left out. Check out these resources to help you know what to ask and who to ask. Don't be afraid of the hard questions! The answers will help you be a better parent.
Adopting Parents Center: How to Adopt From basics to getting started to exploring issues surrounding adoption, walk through the steps to adoption.
Adoption Ability, Not Disability Disabled persons can adopt, and that includes those who have completed addiction treatment programs, or who may be HIV+. It's the law!
Adoption Fraud Beware, be smart, but if you get in trouble, know where to turn for help.
Adoption Options for Canadians An introduction to options and resources for Canadians considering adopting.
Adoption Subsidy: Negotiating & Renegotiating Your Child's Contract Here's what you need to know about adoption assistance, or subsidies: who qualifies, how and when to negotiate (and renegotiate) a contract, and where to find important resources.
Adoption Travel Essentials Wondering where to find that elusive "security wallet"? You'll find it here. These are my top picks for travel bags, child carriers, toys and books, and more. Recommendations include travel tips and price comparisons, where available.
Adoptive & Foster Family Education - Conspicuously Online Conspicuous Families: Race, Culture & Adoption" is just one of a growing number of quality online education resources for adopting, adoptive, and foster parents. Learn more about these learning opportunities and where to find online classes.
Adoptive Breastfeeding Adoptive mothers can - and do - breastfeed successfully. For those who are interested, there's a wealth of information, support, and community.
Adult Adoption The adoption of one adult by another, as with all adoption law, is covered by state statute. Learn more about adult adoption and find specific legal references.
All About LifeBooks One of the best communication tools for parents and children, lifebooks are also important for those waiting to adopt and foster parents. Learn about them, how to get started, and how to use them.
Before Considering Adoption Resolve your own issues about loss and parenting before you adopt after infertility.
Biological Fathers' Rights in Adoption Courts are sending clear messages: Don't play fast and loose with the rights of biological dads!
Bookmaking... For Life Creating a lifebook for an adopted or foster child is a way to focus on the personal history of one individual. An online tutorial and a new book tell all about them, how to make them, and how they can be used to promote attachment and a positive grasp of identity.
Cautions in Infant Adoptions New adoptive parents are a wonderful source of information - encouragements as well as cautions - for those approaching adoption for the first time. A post from our forum is filled with good advice, and reflects the changes taking place in adoption practice today.
Does Older-Child Adoption Equal Special Needs? Realistic expectations and education are key factors in understanding the issues an older child may bring to your family. Here's what you need to know.
Embryo Adoption: The Future is Now Orwellian or Machiavellian? Mix-and-match do-it-yourself kits may be on the horizon for parents, but it's a reality today. Learn the details here.
Freebies for Adopting Parents Adopting parents can take advantage of the many free samples, trial products, and discounts offered to parents in other types of families - it just takes a little creativity.
From Fostering to Adopting Making the move to permanence is a joyful family experience, but are you ready? Take the self-assessment and see.
Health Insurance for Adopted Children For some, it will be simple to insure their kids, but for others, plans may need to be changed or added. Insurance expert, Deborah Ghose, gives us the opportunity to benefit from her expertise.
Hello Before Goodbye It's important to allow mother-child bonding without the presence of prospective adoptive parents before birth according to adoption therapist Marlou Russell, Ph.D.
Homestudy 101: Oh, the scrutiny! A homestudy is required for almost every type of adoption. Learn what it is, how it's done, and even how to benefit from the experience.
How to Adopt á la Rosie Rosie O'Donnell's adoption show presented some basic information, and Rosie talked about her own adoptions, but the show had some problems. Read our Editor's take.
Interstate Adoption The Internet has brought together geographically distant children and families, and a resulting increase in interstate adoptions. Learn about the two agreements between states that affect these adoptions: ICPC and ICAMA.
Legal Options for Caregivers When substitute care for children is needed, options include adoption, guardianship, legal custody, and others. Learn what each involves and state restrictions.
National Adoption Web Site - Adopt US Kids A new Web site has been launched to help build awareness of children in the U.S. foster care system across the country and connect them with families seeking to adopt.
Navigating the Agency Maze Adoption agencies are a flourishing presence on the Internet, but how do you know which ones are really best for you? Here are some tips to help expectant and prospective adoptive parents navigate the maze.
Older Parent Adoption Adoption for those in their 40s and older has traditionally held few options. Prospective adoptive parents need to be realistic - and positive - about their own abilities and capabilities as more opportunities become available.
Older Single Parent Adoption From China Sharon Kaufman, former Executive Director of the Joint Council on International Children's Services, shares her personal experience and thoughts on older single parent adoption. At 51, Sharon adopted her daughter from China.
Peas in a Pod: The Cloning Option It's not a bargain, the risks are enormous, and there are no guarantees, but for some, cloning is their method of choice for building a family.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreements What you need to know about these written agreements between placing and adopting parents: What they are, why you might want to make one, how to make one, and legal considerations.
Pre-Adoption Parenting Classes - Are they Necessary? Those adopting through the U.S. foster care system are required to take pre-adoption parenting classes, but many private agencies and attorneys don't require them. More and more classes are being offered, but do prospective adoptive parents really need to learn how to parent?
Relinquishment, Consent, & Time to Revoke What adopting and placing parents need to know about relinquishment papers, including when they can be signed, any time allowances to rescind, and reasons the court may allow revocation.
Risk in Adoption The possibility a hoped-for adoption will not go through is a risk faced by most adopting parents. Learn about risk in adoption, what it means, and how to evaluate your own situation.
Singled Out Is one parent's decision reason to question the validity of single parent adoption in general? I don't think so.
Special Needs Adoption FAQ Special needs adoption author, parent, and guru, Rita Laws, Ph.D., addresses subsidies, the availability of babies, ethical practices, and much more in this multi-part article.
Surrogacy: How Does it Work? Those considering adoption often look at alternative methods of forming families, including surrogacy - and in some cases, adoption may be the final step that brings a child into the family.
Take It To The Classifieds Adoptive father and news technology professional Tom Pellegrene, Jr. offers advice to adopting parents about using classified ads to locate prospective birth parents.
The Forgotten Children The Children with AIDS Project offers hope of permanent families to HIV/AIDS-affected infants and children.
The Importance of Names to Adoptees Guest Expert Chat with Rose Aquavia, CSW, about changing adopted children's names, maintaining cultural ties with names, and more.
The Inner World of the Adopted Child Child psychologist Dr. Christopher Alexander offers insight into the needs and concerns of adopted children, including family interaction, child development, and anger.
Think Healthy When Trying to Adopt! Eating healthy can keep your stress levels down and save money at the same time - both important considerations for adopting parents. Adoption professional Mardie Caldwell has the details.
Trying to Conceive (TTC) and Adopting Should one stop before the other begins? Read three views on one of the most important questions that confronts many seeking to adopt.
Two Women and a Baby Adoption by gays and lesbians is a controversial issue, but while the debate rages, happy families are being formed and thriving.
Waiting Child Photolistings A quick reference to finding and using online photolistings of waiting children in the US, Canada, and around the world.
What Adoptive Parents Need What parents need from the time they start the process through their children's lives involves everyone who impacts the family - from judges to birth parents to neighbors and others.
Where to Start? First Steps in the Adoption Process You've read about the various types of adoption and you're ready to move forward. But where do you start? Here are some of the best starting places on the Web for those who are ready for the next step.
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