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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #237430 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11-01
• Released on: 1998-10-21
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

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

Jill Smolowe, An Empty Lap
"While it is impossible to predict where anyone's adoption journey will end, it is easy to suggest where that quest should begin: right here, with this book."

Kirkus Reviews
A resource guide, indeed: very much attuned to today's adoption [needs]... Gilman's optimistic outlook, her specific advise and cautions, and her extensive listings...gives childseekers every possible advantage.

Customer Reviews

Useful, but outdated
This book provides a solid overview of the adoption process. However, it was written a decade ago, and much of the information is now out-of-date. For people considering international adoption, I'd recommend Dawn Davenport's book, The Complete Book of International Adoption. The two books are similar in content, but Davenport's is current. The Gilman book is still worthwhile, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Excellent informative reading for beginners in Adoption reaserch....
This is one of the books that you can say "Don't judge it by its cover". When you see it at first you could say "This is only for couples" but you will get wrong. It's excellent for couple adoptive parent like for single adoptive parent. It's very detailed, it even mention topics that not many adoption book covers. I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for adoption either you are single or not.

A great place to start!
Wow, this book is packed with information! It is an excellent starting point for anyone considering adopting.