The Complete Book of International Adoption: A Step by Step Guide to Finding Your Child

by Dawn Davenport

The go-to guide for everything you want to know about international adoption

From the initial decision— Is adoption right for you? —through returning home with your child— How can you ease the transition? — The Complete Book of International Adoption takes parents step by step through the entire process of adopting a child from another country.

You will

• An easy-to-understand analysis of the differences between domestic and international adoption

• Advice on choosing a country, including 25 important factors to consider, such as the waiting times involved and the estimated costs for each of the top placing countries, with charts for easy comparison

• A detailed discussion of the potential health issues based on the latest research and interviews with doctors who specialize in international adoption

• Worksheets and a suggested system for preparing and organizing the extensive paperwork involved

• Parenting tips to enhance attachment and suggestions for addressing the issues that come up in raising an internationally adopted child

• Real parents’ stories and advice at every stage of the process

• Plus all of the information you need to select your agency, plan financially, prepare for the home study, travel sensibly, evaluate your child’s health and integrate your new family

More than just provide the facts, The Complete Book of International Adoption also helps parents manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Sensitive, wise, and often witty, this book is a must-have for any parent considering building their family through adoption.

Genres: Adoption, Parenting, Nonfiction

393 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2006

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the data has become outdated especially travel requirements, wait time, and costs for individual countries but the questions it asks and the way it steers potential adoptive parents through the various considerations around international adoption is very good. A must read for parents considering adopting internationally.

[Charlotte Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with others that the data and stats in this book are a bit outdated, but its questions, general information, and other chapters are incredibly well written and helpful. A worth ready!

[Sarah Bringhurst Familia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, we're thinking about adopting. And this is a witty and information-packed guide that does about what it promises. There's a bit of hubris to the title, but as far as general information about every step of the process, the book actually is pretty complete. The author is obviously one of those super-organized people, so her readers benefit from comprehensive lists and charts of everything from what to pack for a transatlantic flight with kids to 50+ questions to ask when interviewing an adoption agency.

As well as her own experience as an adoptive mother, Davenport draws on dozens of stories from other adoptive parents about every aspect of the adoption process. The only caveat I would include is that the book was published in 2006, two years before the implementation of the Hague agreement. If you are adopting from a Hague country, there will be significant changes to the process that are not addressed in this book. That said, it's still an extremely informative resource, well worth a read for anyone contemplating adopting internationally.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. I bought it as super preliminary research, since if Torsten and I adopt, it won't be for several years. But it was incredibly thorough and balanced, and very well written, and for me it was very informative. Also, the author was totally relatable and very funny. And I really appreciated how she began with a careful comparison of domestic and international adoption and went all the way through the whole international adoption, including what it's like once you are home with your child.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book if you are planning to adopt. It has step by step information, personal stories (and not all sappy - but not all tragic, either). I have found that books on adoption are either incredibly sappy, or terribly negative. I thought this was a good middle ground - leaning more toward positive. I learned a lot. It needs to be updated, some of the info is a little outdated, but the general information is great!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference for anyone considering international adoption. I feel so much more educated, and it's nice to read everything in once place instead of spending time searching amongst the limitless webpages on the topic. Some of the country information is dated, so take that into consideration and double check any specifics before making decisions. But, the author writes with such good humor, I felt encouraged and entertained in addition to informed.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was THE book that lead my husband and I to international adoption. Dawn Davenport has a very easy, but engaging writing style and her information is organized very effectively.

Dawn Davenport recently started a podcast to go along with her constantly updated website. She offers the most up to date information about countries and international adoption.

[Sharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of detailed information about international adoption in general. Takes you from making the decision to adopt all the way through after you get home (post adoption). I would definitely recommend this to someone interested in international adoption.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive for anyone considering, in the process of, or has adopted a child. This book is a wealth of information and resources concerning international adoption. It is now a little out-dated, however, and I wish the author would issue a newer addition with updated data.

[L.e. · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really good primer for anyone thinking about going down this path...

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is like the "what to expect when you're expecting" of adoption. It will be a great reference through the process.

[Kacicalvaresi · Rating 3 out of 5]

No information on my daughter's country(Serbia) and little information on indepently adopting from a non-Hague country, but still a great reference book for anyone considering international adoption.

[Cynthia Ayyad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information for before, during and after the adoption.

[Susan Treat · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD FOR RESEARCH

[Carolyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive book on international adoption. So much relevant information. A must-own for anyone adopting internationally.