THE ADOPTION ADVISER

A most helpful guide centered on the seemingly formidable procedural hurdles involved in finding and finally securing your child. Without the psycho-sociological overlay which accompanies so many books of this type, the text concentrates, in the main, on the cumbersome mechanics: common procedures of public and private agencies; methods of negotiating in the ""grey market,"" and the author explicitly discourages contacts with the ""black market."" There is also an invaluable chapter on finances for all types of adoptions and some cautionary advice on wills, etc. There is an introductory chapter on self-scrutiny prior to making the decision to adopt and some gentle reminders about your responsibilities to the arriving child. A valuable appendix itemizes parent and citizen groups for advice and consultation, state agencies, adoption exchanges (which list currently available children), family planning groups, counseling services, adoption laws by state, recent legal decisions, and agencies for international adoptions. Sound, thorough and written with clarity and common sense.