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With the Will of the Web

Internet Research and Adoption

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

There once was a time when the process of adoption took hours upon hours, which quickly turned into years. Enter the age of the computer and the Internet. Now the time it takes to research adoption has been cut in half and then some.

Prospective adoptive parents just beginning to look into adoption may find themselves at a disadvantage. They may feel "behind" other adoptees, adoptive parents and birth parents who have been living with the realities of adoption for longer. Newcomers to adoption may find themselves frustrated and tired.

The Internet offers more to prospective adoptive parents than ever was available before, all at your fingertips. "There are a growing number of adoption e-mailing lists that provide a wonderful opportunity for support and the exchange of information," says Allan Hazlett, former president of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys in Washington, D.C. "They range from general adoption lists to lists for specific discussion of topics like cross cultural adoption, adoption from specific countries, open adoption, single adoptive parents and more. There are a variety of bulletin boards and newsgroups available, and we're also starting to see more adoption chat forums springing up."

The addition of the Internet to the field of adoption makes it easier to do your homework and make much needed connections. "You can and should research everything about adoption using the Internet," says Susan Caughman, editor-in-chief of Adoptive Family Magazine. "Sign up for adoption newsgroups, newsletters, mailing lists, chat rooms and boards that are specific to your desired adoption. Online groups offer supportive places to raise questions, express uncertainty, vent frustration, share your successes and rejoice with others."

Want to see more?

• The Family Profile: How to Compile Your Birth Parent Letter and Photo Collage
• Where Do I Start?: Adoption Information for Beginners
• Domestic Adoption: Building a Family
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!