Adoption Resources:

Even though more than two million Americans are raising adopted children, there is nothing ordinary about the process of adoption. Getting information on state (or international) laws and agency regulations may be relatively easy, but there are a number of tough emotional issues that arise during the process that aren't always addressed in a manual.

Blog sites such as Exploring Adoption blog encourage adoptive couples and discuss the "heart issues" such as:

• Adopting a child with Down's Syndrome
• Avoiding deceptive adoption agencies and fraud
• Deciding what to do when a birth parent wants their child back

Laura Christianson, the adoptive mom who hosts the Exploring Adoption blog, has written an excellent book called The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting that answers some of the toughest questions about adoption and covers topics like the role of birth parents, medical challenges, emotional/behavioral challenges, and racial prejudices. If you're considering adoption, this is a great resource along with Laura's blog and free Adoption World eZine.

If you're exploring the possibility of adoption or are feeling overwhelmed by the process, some other great resources to help guide you include:

Getting Started

Adoption Family (list of topics, agencies, and resources)

Adoption Information (articles on pertinent adoption issues)

Adoption Tax Credit

Focus on the Family—Adoption Resources

National Council for Adoption