Adopting a child (9th edition)

With over 60,000 copies already sold, this beginner’s guide is the book for anyone who is thinking of adopting a child.

Now in its 9th edition, the guide has been fully revised and updated to take into account all new legislation and initiatives, including the Adoption and Children Act 2002. It provides essential information and helps explain the process involved in adopting a child or children.

Using a question and answer format, it describes: why children need adoption; the kinds of children who are looking for new families; the reasons why people adopt; what sort of people adoption agencies are looking for and why; the legal aspects and the costs of adopting both in the UK and overseas; intercountry adoption; and the adoption of stepchildren. It includes a comprehensive list of regional agencies – both local authority and voluntary – throughout the UK, plus other useful addresses and suggestions for further reading. The addresses and contact details have been updated for 2011.

Brought to life with photographs and the experiences of people who have been through the adoption process themselves, this book is essential reading for anyone considering adoption.