Contents
What Is International Adoption?
Where to Begin the International Adoption Process
Traits that Agencies and Countries Look for in Adoptive Parents
International Adoption Costs
Types of Children Available to Adopt Internationally
Other Issues in International Adoption
Starting the Adoption Process
The Adoption Wait
The Adoption Referral
How to Prepare to Travel to Your Child’s Country
In-Country Adoption
Your Adopted Child’s Homecoming
Common Issues with Children Adopted Internationally
Attachment Challenges in
Adopted Children
How to Create a Lifebook
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How to Create a Lifebook
Creating a Lifebook
Many adoption professionals encourage adoptive parents to create lifebooks for their children. A lifebook is like a baby book, but one that expressly addresses your child’s life before the adoption. It helps your child integrate the adoption story into the rest of his life story. It lets your child know that you value his history and the way he arrived at your adoptive family.
What Would You Include in a Lifebook?
In addition to photos of your child, her lifebook might include:
- Pictures of or stories about your child’s orphanage, foster family, or other caregivers
- Pictures of or information about your child’s birth family, if available
- Information about your child’s finding place
- Information about, mementos from, and pictures of your child’s birth country and culture
- Paperwork that your family received at the referral
- The backstory of your child’s adoption (reasons that your family chose to adopt and pursued your child’s specific country)
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
