The Praeger Handbook of Adoption [Two Volumes]

Subjects:

• Family Resources » Adoption

Reviews:

• In these beautifully rendered volumes, one is first struck by the photographic images showing that adoption crosses all racial lines. Just as the imagery depicts the multiple races touched by adoption, so too do the contents of this thorough, interdisciplinary, multicultural handbook. These volumes excel in detailed coverage and in their perceptive treatment of various topics. The editors take full advantage of the expertise of others, reproducing essays from numerous sources, and including many primary documents. They emphasize strongly the ethics of adoption and the need for sensitivity to cross-cultural perspectives. They convey the triad perspective of the process--numerous parties are involved, and all must have their human rights protected....With its astonishingly thorough, interdisciplinary approach, this work may well be the most comprehensive overview of adoption in a single publication to date. Extensive bibliographies and sidebars throughout, and comprehensive indexing and appendixes enhance the text. For reference collections with limited funds, this is the set to purchase. Essential. All libraries.
  —Choice June 2007
• [T]he Praeger Handbook fills a niche unmet by any other reference work. For the researcher looking to gain a deeper understanding of adoption from multiple perspectives, and a historical one in particular, the Praeger Handbook is a valuable tool. It is most suitable for academic and special libraries that serve scholars and practitioners in the social sciences.
  —Reference & User Services Quarterly Summer 2007
• In two volumes, this comprehensive encyclopedia presents information on all aspects of adoption relating to topics such as culture, child welfare, advocacy, selected famous adoptees and adopters, birthparents, characteristics, and cross-cultural issues. Awareness, financial issues, same-sex adoption, foster care, and history are other categories, and perspectives on international adoption from African countries, Britain, Canada, China, India, Japan, and Mexico, and US adoptions from other countries are considered. Other entries involve legal issues and key legislation, medical issues, psychology, religious perspectives, science, special needs categories, and stress.
  —Reference & Research Book News February 2007

Table of Contents:

• Introduction: Adoption in History Vern L. Bullough
• A-Z Entries
• APPENDICES
• :Appendix A PRIMARY: Timeline of Adoption History
• Appendix B: Concerns about Children in Need
• Appendix C: Illegitimacy
• Appendix D: Federal Legislation
• Appendix E: International
• Appendix F: Outcome Research/The Science of Adoption
• Appendix G: Changes in Adoption/Social Work Practice
• Appendix H: Trafficking
• Appendix I: Transracial and Minority Issues
• Appendix J: Selected Bibliography
• About the Contributors