Adopting Older Children: A Practical Guide to Adopting and Parenting Children over Age Four

Though this adoption guide provides only a cursory overview of its subject, it sets itself apart as one of the relatively few books aimed at a growing segment among adopters: those specifically interested in taking school-age children into their homes. As the authors explain, this trend has recently been spurred in the U.S. by the spread abroad of greater restrictions on infant adoption. Since the foster care system is overtaxed, many older children are available for adoption. Using real-life stories from adoptive families and the authors’ own social-work case studies, this resource explains the language and challenges of adoption in four parts: the adoption process, from initial decision to postadoption services; the impact on other biological family members, including siblings and extended family; the difficulties an adoptive child may face; and the importance of self-care for parents and availability of resources like support groups. An appendix of online resources —websites, video interviews, documentaries, etc.—rounds out this helpful, if far from comprehensive, addition to the literature on adoption. (Jan.)