Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families

by Natalie Nichols Gillespie

Successful Adoption brings a practical and spiritual view of adoption.  Topics types of adoption, where to begin, necessary paperwork, finances required - and how to raise them, listing of reputable adoption agencies, building strong bonds with an adopted child, when and how to tell a child she is adopted. The long-term affects of adoption, God's blessing through adoption. Book includes practical checklists, timelines, real life stories, sample documents, phone numbers and web-addresses. Successful Adoption also includes real-life stories from families who have adopted, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman, Rita Springer, Dave Thomas, Karen Kingsbury and Donna Van Liere.

Genres: Adoption, Christian Living, How To, Parenting, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent book - informative, practical, realistic, well-written, personal. I'm glad the library was willing to purchase it so we could read it!

[Rachel Fortin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way this book was organized and all the personal stories that were included. A great read for anyone considering adoption now or in the future 👍🏻

[Ann Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with detailed information about adopting a child. The author adopted a child herself, and she used her experience in this book. The author also used examples from several parents/families who also adopted. The author lists several resources for going through the process and how to afford it. I feel that I have gained a lot of knowledge between domestic and international adoption and what steps have to be taken for either type. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about adopting or anyone who has a friend or family member who is adopting.

[Maria Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good balance between the biblical call to care for orphans and the practical aspects of domestic and international adoption. It is really helpful for those who are considering adoption, as well as those who want to learn more about this topic. I haven't finished the book, but the final section is about adoption as a ministry -- ways you can help financially and through service.

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a "nuts and bolts" book about adoption, this book should have an index for searching topics. The book is well organized, but the same topics appear in various locations and it would be easier to use as a reference.

I would recommend this as a starter book for people considering adoption. Once you've made up your mind to adopt, I'd hope you would already know a lot of what is in this book.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of good info and heartwarming stories, but I did have a few quibbles.

Africa is repeatedly referred to as a "country" throughout this book.

I did not appreciate the predominate attitude that the "perfect" child is out there, somewhere.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was published in the U.S.A. so it talks about their systems and rules and agencies as opposed to those in Canada. It also largely talks about international adoption and much less about domestic adoption.
It was helpful though and I liked it's perspective.

[Rachel Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone looking into adoption or getting ready to adopt. All the info you need to know.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phil and I have been given the spark of beginning an Adoption ministry one day. I'm looking to read this book and become educated on the realm of Adoption to better serve those seeking to adopt.

[Ashley Newberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very helpful as we were just learning about the whole adoption process.