Product Description

The second edition of the Encyclopedia of Adoption contains important new listings on adoption in China and the former Soviet Union, as well as key information on the Adoption and Safe Families Act, termination of parental rights, adoptions by gays and lesbians and much more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #560711 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-30
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 394 pages

From School Library Journal
YA-- This unique reference succeeds in bringing together interdisciplinary research and knowledge on a complex subject. In one alphabet, the legal, medical, social, philosophical, emotional, and historical terms of adoption are discussed clearly as to their meaning and implications. The entries run the gamut from ``abandonment'' to ``zygote adoption,'' and include thoughtful essays about such topics as interracialand gay and lesbian adoption. Those considering searching for or placing a child for adoption will encounter complete information on all of the options. For social studies students, the introduction presents a meaningful and compassionate historical overview. Appendixes give lists of organizations and agencies as well as demographic data.
- Jackie Gropman, Richard Byrd Library, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In more than 300 entries ranging in length from a few sentences to several thousand words, Adamec, a freelance writer with several published works on adoption, and Pierce, president of the National Committee for Adoption, address the complex legal, social, emotional, and medical aspects of adoption in the United States. Their book is, for the most part, clearly written, although there are occasional lapses into jargon. The bibliographies are current, but they appear to be "works consulted" lists rather than thoughtful suggestions for further reading. The appendixes comprise a helpful directory of adoption agencies and groups. The minor shortcomings of this encyclopedia are outweighed by the fact that it competently covers an area previously lacking a comprehensive reference work. Recommended for all but the smallest public libraries.
- Steve Gowler, Wofford Coll. Lib., Spartanburg, S.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Beginning with a brief history of adoption as a concept and touching on key adoption issues in past history and recent times, this volume looks at the development of adoption and adoption law in the U.S. However, the introduction and much of the contents are unchanged from the 2000 edition.

Following its historical introduction, the book is arranged alphabetically by topic, and each of the more than 400 entries includes a short list of citations to further information; for this edition, many of the reference lists have been updated, but about an equal number have not. Entries cover both historical and current practice and adoption law and the related institutions of foster care, group homes, and orphanages. Some new topics have been added, among them Adoption subsidy, Eating disorders in adopted children, Language delay, andPaternity testing. Cross-references do a good job of moving the reader from one entry to other appropriate entries. Statistical tables are used throughout the text to illustrate points, exemplify demographic trends, and clarify changes of social attitudes. Among the appendixes are directories of state adoption agencies and summaries of state adoption laws.

One of the few reference books available on this subject, the encyclopedia is recommended for public and academic libraries. Libraries already owning the 2000 edition will need to decide if the number of changes justifies the cost. Diana Shonrock
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