Adoption and fostering Books

Book SynopsisHow do you create an adoption portfolio that will show prospective birth families why you are the perfect adoptive parent for their child? Do you know which pictures to include and which to leave out? Do you really understand what prospective birth parents care about? This is a step-by-step guide to creating a portfolio which will reflect your personality, make a strong positive impact and encourage the right birth family to choose you. Madeleine Melcher shares the secrets she has discovered over years of creating successful portfolios, profiles and prospective birth parent letters. She combines simple and effective design ideas and tips for writing and layout with a deep understanding of how portfolios work. Importantly, this book also draws extensively on the experiences of birth mothers and the professionals who support them to examine what they are really looking for, featuring questions which prospective birth mothers will want to see answered in your portfolio. From text to design, this guide will give you the confidence to create a portfolio that sets you apart. It is essential reading for prospective adoptive parents, as well as adoption attorneys and adoption agencies advising those hoping to adopt.Trade ReviewMadeleine Melcher's expertise and guidance in creating an adoption portfolio made parents and satisfied customers out of me and my partner. This book will make the process of adopting less intimidating and the end result, parenthood, more accessible to those who want to adopt - a win-win situation for both prospective parents and children who need homes. It's a beautiful thing, a true gem. -- Beth Vollmer, adoptive parent, USAWorking with Madeleine was wonderful. She designed our adoption portfolio and we were chosen just two days after its completion. We are grateful for her knowledge and understanding of what prospective birth parents want to know about you. Her book will give you the tools needed to create a portfolio that will stand out among the rest. -- Allison and Kendall Sidorsky, adoptive parents, USAAs a birthmother and the co-founder of BirthMom Buds, I was honored to be a part of Madeleine's book. Madeleine does a great job of giving a voice to expectant mothers considering adoption and through her book educates adoptive parents on how expectant mothers considering adoption think and feel, which will in turn build healthier relationships amongst birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. -- Nicole 'Coley' Strickland, Co-Founder of www.birthmombuds.com, USAYou're told over and over that the profile is the single most important piece in an adoption - the only way to truly represent yourself to potential birthmothers - and this can be really daunting. When faced with the challenge of making an adoption portfolio or profile, the only tool you needs is Madeleine's new book! It's like having her right there alongside you for this incredible journey, as we in fact did. Madeleine created two of our adoption portfolios, which both ended in successful adoptions. Our fourth adoption happened very quickly - and our son's birthmother still tells us over a year later, that it was all because of our portfolio. Thank you Madeleine for putting this into a book. -- Rawley and Gus Tziavias, adoptive parents, USAMs. Melcher's book assisting families with writing their Dear Prospective Birthparent letter and Adoption Profile gives not only the "how to", but an educational experience as well. She discusses what pregnant couples are looking for in an adoptive family to raise their child, the importance of keeping contact agreements between the two families that must be honored (even though many states now have legally binding contracts), and different designs and text to create their profile. Dear Birthmother letters have been used for quite some time but the additional need now for a booklet makes this a timely book for everyone considering an adoption placement. The workbook at the end further assists prospective adoptive families. How To Create a Successful Adoption Portfolio is very insightful, well thought out and helpful. -- Maxine Chalker, MSW/LSW, Founder, President & CEO, Adoptions From The Heart, USAHow-to" tells you something."Why-to" tells you more. Way more.This book will tell you both.At a time when there is so much confusing advice about adoption, Ms. Melcher "gets it. -- Birney Bull, adoption attorney, Savannah, GA, USA, www.AdoptNeed.comFor families who are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of writing an adoption or family profile this book is a great place to start... Very easy to read and follow it touches on all the bases, knowing your audience, remembering the guidelines set forth by your agency or attorney, the importance of photos etc. This book is a great place to start and makes the task of writing an adoption profile much more manageable. -- Wordpress.comAs an adoptive dad of two-and starting the process to adopt #3-my wife and I have created several adoption profiles (aka portfolios). We had guidelines to follow from our agency and we got better at creating them but after getting Madeleine's book, we found a great process for creating the best profile. She does an amazing job teaching about how to start, what you need to know, writing your letter to a prospective birthmother, how to layout the pages and (in my opinion) the most important part-how to make your profile unique.I highly recommend getting the book. A HUGE bonus in the book is that it contains a wonderful workbook in the back that takes you step by step through creating your portfolio. Good stuff! This WILL help you. -- Tim Elder of InfantAdoptionGuide.comTable of Contents1. Introduction - "I understand...". 2. What is an Adoption Portfolio? 3. Before You do Anything Else... 4. What Prospective Birthmothers are Looking for. 5. Get Your Camera Out Now! - Pictures ARE Important! 6. Writing Your Text and Preparing for Layout: Insight and Samples by Page. 7. Speciality Text Issues. 8. What Will Your Design Say about You? 9. Ways to Create Your Portfolio. 10. Your Final Review - Getting a Fresh Set of Eyes. 11. Printing Choices Make a Difference. 12. Marketing Yourself Making Use of Your Portfolio. 13. Letting Go. 14. Your Dream CAN Come True. 15. Workbook Questions for Core Pages.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Foster Parenting Manual is a comprehensive guide offering proven, friendly advice for novice and experienced parents alike. Distilling many years' experience into one book, John DeGarmo combines his own wisdom with that of fellow foster parents. He describes what to expect from the process, how to access help and how to ensure the best care for your child. He tackles thorny issues such as children's use of the Internet and social media, managing contact with birth parents and how to support your child at school. Most importantly, he provides advice designed to help your child feel safe, secure and loved.The Foster Parenting Manual offers seasoned, sympathetic advice that will be valued by foster parents and the professionals who support them.Trade ReviewDeGarmo, an experienced foster parent of more than 30 children, fills the gap in current, quality literature on foster parenting with this concise yet comprehensive guide for potential foster parents or those affected. Beginning with a short history of the practice, he helps readers understand who foster children are, how best to understand their challenges and struggles, and how to establish rules and expectations in a home, as well as considerations for working with caseworkers and birth families... VERDICT For anyone considering becoming a foster parent, this title is esstential reading, full of rich advice. Unequivocally recommended. -- Library Journal, starred reviewJohn DeGarmo's new book, The Foster Parenting Manual exceeds expectations! Realistic and honest, it effectively describes the foster care system with discernment, describes being a foster parent and a foster family clearly and compassionately and it describes the children in the foster care system with empathy, sensitivity and truthfulness. It is an honor to endorse this book. -- Irene Clements, Foster Care Consultant and President of the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), Minneapolis, USAThis is a unique book for people doing a unique job of fostering children which explains the subject simply and pragmatically. The gift of this book is the way it dispels the myths surrounding fostering and should help to lessen the anxiety around caring for someone else's child and also children who can struggle to accept care. It also provides carers with practical and reassuring guidance - encouraging positive outcomes in what can be a difficult yet rewarding partnership. The real-life examples support research in the field, and provide non-fostering adults a glimpse into the world of foster families and families themselves with insights and guidance from peers. This book is a fostering manual for the modern age and supports good learning for us all. -- Gradle Gardner Martin, Foster Care and Social Work Trainer, Elevate Training and Development Ltd, London, UKJohn DeGarmo is one of foster care's most promising experts. His new book The Foster Parenting Manual: A Practical Guide to Creating a Loving, Safe, and Stable Home is an essential resource for any foster parent or foster care professional. DeGarmo's detailed knowledge of foster care coupled with a smooth delivery ensures the reader of an informative and entertaining reading experience. -- Chris Chmielewski, Owner and Editor, Foster Focus magazine, Pennsylvania, USAJohn DeGarmo's latest book, The Foster Parenting Manual is a valuable reference for both prospective and new foster carers, written from the carer's perspective. Whilst some material in the manual may be specific to the foster care system in the United States, the book contains many practical suggestions on how to manage the day to day interactions with a foster child in a way that assists the child. The book is easy to read and could be used as a basis for a series of training sessions for new carers. Caseworkers would benefit from the book's perspective on many of the issues that carers face. The book points to the universality of the issues societies face in raising children who are separated from their families and the critical importance of providing them with supportive care. -- Scott Bray, Life Without Barriers, AustraliaThe Foster Parenting Manual: A Practical Guide to Creating a Loving, Safe and Stable Home lays the foundation of understanding for potential and current foster parents. It answers all the questions up front, so people can easily determine if fostering will be the right path for them. DeGarmo covers all of the important topics, including allegations, grief and loss and so much more… The manual is a must-read for anyone considering foster parenting. -- Kim Phagan-Hansel, Editor of Adoption Today & Fostering Families Today, Colorado, USAThe author as an experienced foster carer himself acknowledges how difficult placements can be and the many challenges it may have on the foster carer's family life... This is an excellent aid for both foster carers and prospective foster carers as well as professionals who are responsible for placing children. -- Aileen Dunne, children's guardian and independent social worker * Seen and Heard *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword by Mary Perdue, Former First Lady of Georgia. Introduction. 1. Foster Care: Children, Parents, and Caseworkers. 2. The History of Foster Care. 3. Training. 4. Placement: What to do Beforehand/How to Prepare. 5. Problems Foster Children Face. 6. Creating Rules and Expectations. 7. Your Foster Child and His Development. 8. Foster Children and School. 9. Working with Caseworkers. 10. Birth Parents and You. 11. Protecting Yourself and Family. 12. Finding Help as a Foster Parent. 13. When a Foster Child Leaves. 14. Adoption. 15. Resources. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTherapeutic Residential Care For Children and Youth takes a fresh look at therapeutic residential care as a powerful intervention in working with the most troubled children who need intensive support. Featuring contributions from distinguished international contributors, it critically examines current research and innovative practice and addresses the key questions: how does it work, what are its critical “active ingredients” and does it represent value for money? The book covers a broad spectrum of established and emerging approaches pioneered around with world, with contributors from the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Israel and the UK offering a mix of practice and research exemplars. The book also looks at the research relating to critical issues for child welfare service providers: the best time to refer children to residential care, how children can be helped to make the transition into care, the characteristics of children entering and exiting care, strategies for engaging families as partners, how the substantial cost of providing intensive is best measured against outcomes, and what research and development challenges will allow therapeutic residential care to be rigorously compared with its evidence-based community-centered alternatives. Importantly, the volume also outlines how to set up and implement intensive child welfare services, considering how transferable they are, how to measure success and value for money, and the training protocols and staffing needed to ensure that a programme is effective.This comprehensive volume will enable child welfare professionals, researchers and policymakers to develop a refined understanding of the potential of therapeutic residential care, and to identify the highest and best uses of this intensive and specialized intervention.Trade ReviewWhittaker, Del Valle and Holmes, together with their contributors, address key challenges related to how well-designed, short-term group care interventions can help children address severe emotional and behavioral conditions. Their careful attention to treatment design and measurement showcase strategies that can be readily applied to improve service quality and outcomes. -- Peter J. Pecora, School of Social Work, University of Washington, USAThis book makes an important contribution to one of the critical issues in the field of child welfare. It engages with many of the challenges of caring for very troubled young people who require resource-intensive support. -- From the Foreword by Robbie Gilligan, Professor of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College, DublinTable of ContentsForeword by Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. Part 1. Introduction. The Current Landscape of Therapeutic Residential Care: James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes. Part 1. Pathways to Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 1, Making Sense of Differential Cross-National Placement Rates for Therapeutic Residential Care: Some Take Away Messages for Policy, June Thoburn, Professor Emeritus, University of East Anglia and Frank Ainsworth, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. Chapter 2. Needs and characteristics of high-resource users: Spain, Jorge F. del Valle, Amaia Bravo and Ana Sainero, University of Oviedo,Spain. Chapter 3. Needs and characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: North America, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada, Chapter 4. Benarand characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: Denmark, Mette Lausten, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 5. Part 2. Promising Program Models and Innovative Practices. Varieties of Nordic Residential Care, Turf Jakobsen, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 6. MultifunC - Multifunctional Treatment in Residential and Community Settings: Norway, Tore Andreassen, Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Chapter 7. The Family Home Program: An Adaption of the Teaching Family Model at Boys Town, Ronald W. Thompson, Director, Boys Town National Research Institute and Dan Daly, Executive Vice President and Director of Youth Care, Boys Town, Nebraska, Chapter 8. A New Era in the Development of Therapeutic Residential Care in the State of Victoria: Australia, Patricia McNamara, La Trobe University, Australia, Chapter 9. Evidence-based Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care, Sigrid James, Loma Linda University, California, Chapter 10. Creating and maintaining family-staff partnerships in Residential Treatment Programs: Shared Decisions, Full Participationm Mutual Responsibilty, Richard W. Small, The Walker School, Massachusetts, Christopher Bellonci, MD, Tufts University, Massachusetts and President, American Association of Children's Residential Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Susan Ramsey, The Walker School. Part 4. Preparing Youth For Successful Transitions from Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 11. Relationship between Adult Outcomes of Young People Making the Transition to Adulthood from Out-of-Home Care and Prior Residential Care, Nathanael Okpych and Mark Courtney, University of Chicago, Chapter 12. Supportive Pathways for Young People Leaving Care: Lessons Learned from Four Decades of Research, Mike Stein, University of York, UK, Chapter 13. Listening to young people in care in Israel: a brief note from research about successful transitions to adulthood, Anat Zeira, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Part 5. Critically Examining the Current Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 14. Uncovering What is Inside the 'Black Box' of Effective Therapeutic Residential Youth Care, Annemiek T. Harder, Assistant Professor and Erik Knorth, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 15. Improving the Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care: Logistical and Analytic Challenges Meet Methodological Innovations, Bethany R. Lee and Richard P. Barth, University of Maryland, USA. Part 5. Calculating Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 16. Estimating Unit Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care, Lisa Holmes, Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR), Loughborough University perspectives and commentaries by: Richard W. Small and Christopher Bellonci: North America, Laura Palareti, University of Bologna and Chiara Berti, University of Chieti-Pescara: Italy, Andrew Kendrick, University of Strathclyde: Scotland, Frank Ainsworth and Deirdre Cheers: Australia. Part 6. Linking Focused Training and Critical Evaluation in Therapeutic Residential Care: A Foundation for Staff Support. Chapter 17. Helping staff to connect quality, practice and evaluation in therapeutic residential care: the SERAR model in Spain, Amaia Bravo, Jorge F. del Valle & Iriana Santos, Child and Family Research Group, University of Oviedo, Spain, Chapter 18. A European perspective on the context and content for social pedagogy in therapeutic residential care, Hans Grietens, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 19: Engaging the total therapeutic residential care program in a process of quality improvement: Learning from the Care Model, Martha Holden, Michael Nunno and Charles Izzo, Cornell University, New York and James Anglin, University of Victoria, Canada, Chapter 20. Outcomes Management in Residential Treatment: The CANS Approach, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada. Part 8. Conclusion. Shaping the Future for Therapeutic Residential Care, James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes

Read more less

Book SynopsisFoster children are more likely than other children to be involved in risky activities online due to backgrounds of neglect and abuse, an absence of supportive adults, lower self-esteem, and greater exposure to drugs and alcohol. Covering all the dangers of online technology that your foster child might encounter, from cyberbullying and "sexting", to child grooming and online hoaxes, this book pays particular attention to dangers unique to foster families, such as the difficulties internet access poses for maintaining formal arrangements for contact with birth families. DeGarmo equips foster parents and professionals with strategies to keep foster children safe online, giving tips on establishing expectations for internet usage, advice on how to prevent inappropriate contact and protect personal information, and explaining the importance of "netiquette". An indispensable guide to negotiating online dangers, this is required reading for all foster families as well as residential child care workers, social workers and other professionals working with children in care.Trade ReviewI'm grateful to Dr. John DeGarmo for tackling this overwhelming and frustrating topic. He has made it easy to understand both the pitfalls and the positive learning experiences associated with technology and social media. The information in this book is vital to everyone who works in the foster care system or who develops training programs for the children and youth in care. -- Irene Clements, President, National Foster Parent Association, USA“Keeping Foster Children Safe Online should not only be on the nightstand of every foster parent - it should be in the hands of every parent whose children are online." -- From the Foreword by Kim Hansel, Editor, Adoption Today and Fostering Families TodayThis book provides a wealth of information, good and ghastly, about the dangers and risks that foster carers, adoptive and biological parents, teachers, youth workers, social workers and others who work with, teach or live with preteens and adolescents really ought to know!... This book should be read and re-read and information shared... Having been a foster carer myself, I cannot highly enough recommend this book to anyone who lives or work with young people - not just foster children. -- Nurturing Potential, Potential UnleashedDeGarmo looks at the positives of internet use but also explores in detail the "nastiness" of the cyber-world we all know about... the addition of case studies brings the realities of this to life... this is an invaluable resource and should be required reading for all parents and everyone in the children's workforce. -- REES Centre NewsletterTable of ContentsForeword. Preface. Introduction - It's a Digital World. 1. Sex, Violence and Scams. 2. Establishing Ground Rules. 3. Social Networking. 4. Texting and Sexting. 5. Cyberbullying: Beyond the Playground. 6. Contact with Birth Parents. 7. Sexual Predators. 8. Access to Drugs, Alcohol and Cigarettes. 9. Apps and Video Games. Conclusion. About the Author. Resources. References. Glossary of Terms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a book of real life stories of adopters which takes the reader through every stage of the adoption process starting with the moment when they decide that adoption is the right option for them to the stories of adoptees brought up by adoptive parents.In between, the book looks at all the different types of adoption that are carried out by all sorts of families from all sorts of children of every race and age and with every kind of problem. They range from babies who are only days old when they are taken into an adoptive family to teenagers with a multitude of psychological and physical problems. The book looks at both the success and failure of these adoptions.Its aim is to inform and enlighten professionals, adopters, potential adopters and all those whose lives have in some way been touched by adoption or want to know more about it.In 15 chapters it includes more than 70 real life stories which are all told from the heart sometimes in a moment of crisis and sometimes at a time of joy. They are not analysed, they are true stories about how it feels to be at the centre of adoption. All the stories, which have been recounted over the past 10 years, are reflective of adoption today in Britain.The book also includes a chapter on the legal aspects of adoption and a further chapter of useful information and addresses.Trade ReviewWould that there had been such a book when our sons were little, especially when we added a seven year old with emotional and behavioral difficulties to the family. I hope that everyone involved in adoption will be aware of the existence of this book, since it covers the actual experience of adoption form every aspect... Those who have contributed to this rich collection of personal experiences have been generous in sharing their hopes and fears: the good moments and the moments of utter despair and even failure... Like any book that is a compendium of writings, it would be easy to imagine that people, for whom adoption was a painful experience, would not have a voice here. This might be true to some extent but there are accounts of adoptions that failed, and times when tracing a birth-parent did not bring complete happiness. There are stories that might have been painful to write but can shed light on what it means to be an aopder or an adoptee, such as the story of the family whose badly damaged son suddenly seemed to thrive, and went on to become a successful business and family man, only to committ suicide at 27. This book should be required reading for all social workers, teachers, would be adopters, adopters and their doctors. For years adoption was a family secret for the birth-mother and the adopters. Now we are passed that stage it is important that the stories be heard. -- Mental Health Care and Learning Disabilities.The most appealing aspect of this book is that it consists of actual stories from actual adopters, incorporating every part of the adoption process from the 'short moment of pure joy and excitement for most potential adopters when they first decide that they want to adopt' to their feelings about their children seeking a reunion with their natural families or simply leaving home. The accounts, taken from this very journal over the past 10 years, have a rare honesty about them, resulting in an unadulterated insight into both the joys and the nightmares that adoption can bring. It is for this reason that I would describe it as a must for anyone considering adoption - including professionals - whose life has already been touched by adoption. Read from start to finish, it is as compelling as any novel, but the way the accounts are separated into themes such as "You want to adopt" and "Telling, tracing and the need to know more" - each with an introduction by the editor - also makes it a volume that can be accessed as a reference book. -- Adoption UKThis collection of first hand experiences of adoption has been compiled by Adoption UK. It is aimed primarily at adopters and prospective adopters and has the express aim of encouraging those who are thinking about adoption to consider it more seriously. However, it will be of general interest and offers an engaging and informative read for anyone interested in the adoption process and the issues it raises. Adoption UK believe that all children have a right to a family life, and lament the number of children who still wait for suitable adopters- particularly black children, older white children and children with disabilities. Through adopters own experiences the book covers the decision to adopt and the process of adoption, the adoption of school children and adolescents, children with a physical or learning disability, children who have been abused, adoption by single parents and gay couples and race and adoptions. -- ChildrightTable of Contents1. You want to adopt. 2. First meetings, first months, falling in love - good times, bad times, bonding. 3. Adopting babies and toddlers. 4. Adopting schoolchildren. 5. Taking on an adolescent. 6. Adopting children with a physical or mental disability. 7. Adopting a physically or sexually abused child. 8. Unusual adopters - single parents, unmarried couples, homosexuals, adoption over birth choice. 9. Adoption and race. 10. Openness in adoption. 11. Attached or unattached, the ongoing problem. 12. The nightmare - when an adoption breaks down. 13. Telling and talking. 14. Tracing. 15. The birth mother's story. 16. What adoptees say. Appendix 1. Legal issues. 2. Index of organisations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRecently there has been a renewed interest in family placement, its effectiveness and its value for money. What Works in Adoption and Foster Care? reviews changes in policy and practice and will assist managers and practitioners in family and childcare social work to make decisions based on sound evidence about where to place children and what sort of practice is likely to bring about the desired outcomes for children, birth relatives, foster carers and the adoptive family. The authors explore the factors that research indicates are likely to be associated with positive outcomes, how practice can be evaluated and what outcome measures can be used, and also look at the shortcoming of this research.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten specifically for young people, and with colour illustrations throughout, this guide offers practical tips for children on how they can have a say in how they are cared for, including their review meetings. The guide was written following extensive consultation with children and young people in care.The guide includes a description of the care planning process, advice on how children and young people can have more say in decisions about all aspects of their care, what to do if they are unhappy, and where to go for extra help. Practitioners who will find this resource useful include care workers, social workers, LAC team managers, care homes, Independent Review Officers and carers/parents.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten specifically for children and with colour illustrations throughout, this guide offers practical tips for children on how they can have a say in how they are cared for, including their review meetings. The guide was written following extensive consultation with children and young people in care.The guide includes a description of the care planning process, advice on how children and young people can have more say in decisions about all aspects of their care, what to do if they are unhappy and where to go for extra help. Practitioners who will find this resource useful include: care workers, social workers, LAC team managers, care homes, Independent Review Officers and carers/parents.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive anthology exploring research, policy and practice issues, written by a range of child placement experts.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA user-friendly guide for all those involved with moving children on to adoptive placements.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe story of a gay couple's journey to adopting a child.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA must-read for any parent seeking to support their adopted child through school.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat constitutes a family? Tracing the dramatic evolution of Americans' answer to this question over the past century, this volume provides the account of modern adoption's history. It details efforts by the US Children's Bureau and the Child Welfare League of America to establish adoption standards in law and practice.Trade Review"Kinship by Design is a masterful work carved out from a gigantic mountain of primary and secondary sources. I am confident that it will take its place as the best-researched and most original book on the history of American adoption published to date." - E. Wayne Carp, author of Family Matters"

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat constitutes a family? Tracing the dramatic evolution of Americans' answer to this question over the past century, this book provides an account of modern adoption's history. It also details efforts by the US Children's Bureau and the Child Welfare League of America to establish adoption standards in law and practice.Trade Review"Kinship by Design is a masterful work carved out from a gigantic mountain of primary and secondary sources. I am confident that it will take its place as the best-researched and most original book on the history of American adoption published to date." - E. Wayne Carp, author of Family Matters"

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis unique volume highlights a major public health problem: the plight of vulnerable children in the foster care and homelessness systems. Within a social justice framework, Cheryl Zlotnick and her contributors give these children a voice to express the oppression, bias, racism, and power differentials underlying their care. By viewing these children as members of transitional families, this book describes how to reduce treatment disparities and unify service systems. It is a must-read that will change your views of how to best understand and care for these children. -- Ellen L. Bassuk, founder, The National Center on Family Homelessness A well-researched and valuable addition to the literature on homelessness... This book should help increase awareness of the needs of this very vulnerable population. PsycCritiques An important contribution to the field of child welfare. Journal of Children and Poverty [The book] complements well developmental research... But, it does much more as it provides compelling examples for other organizations and professionals to help foster children and families in need. Journal of Youth and AdolescenceTable of ContentsIntroduction Part I. Theories of Practice with Transitional Families 1. Transitional Families: Where Do I Begin?, by Cheryl Zlotnick and Luann DeVoss 2. "We Don't Get Whuppings Here Anymore": Toward a Collaborative, Ecological Model of Parenting, by Marguerite A. Wright 3. Giving Voice: An Exploration of the Integration of Social Justice and Infant Mental Health, by Erica Torres and Kathryn Orfirer Part II. Preparing the Organization for Its Work with Transitional Families 4. Letting Some Air into the Room: Opening Agency Space for Considerations of Culture and Power, by Lisa R. Berndt 5. Rediscovering Positive Work Relationships Within a Diverse Relationship-Based Organization: Serving Children in Transition, by Karen Thomas Part III. Promising Programs and Culturally Informed Interventions 6. Transforming Shame: Allowing Memories in Foster Care to Inform Interventions with Foster Youth, by Lou Felipe 7. Crossing the Border and Facing the System: Challenges Immigrant Families Experience When a Child Is Removed from Their Care and Placed into the Child Welfare System, by Rosario Murga-Kusnir 8. "I Am Bad!", by Roberto Macias Sanchez 9. "When Do I Get to Go Home?", by Peggy Pearson 10. The CATS Project: Helping Families Land on Their Feet, by Vance Hitchner Part IV. Needs for the Future 11. A Systems Dilemma: Intergenerational Foster Care and Homelessness, by Cheryl Zlotnick List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis unique volume highlights a major public health problem: the plight of vulnerable children in the foster care and homelessness systems. Within a social justice framework, Cheryl Zlotnick and her contributors give these children a voice to express the oppression, bias, racism, and power differentials underlying their care. By viewing these children as members of transitional families, this book describes how to reduce treatment disparities and unify service systems. It is a must-read that will change your views of how to best understand and care for these children. -- Ellen L. Bassuk, founder, The National Center on Family Homelessness A well-researched and valuable addition to the literature on homelessness... This book should help increase awareness of the needs of this very vulnerable population. PsycCritiques An important contribution to the field of child welfare. Journal of Children and Poverty [The book] complements well developmental research... But, it does much more as it provides compelling examples for other organizations and professionals to help foster children and families in need. Journal of Youth and AdolescenceTable of ContentsIntroduction Part I. Theories of Practice with Transitional Families 1. Transitional Families: Where Do I Begin?, by Cheryl Zlotnick and Luann DeVoss 2. "We Don't Get Whuppings Here Anymore": Toward a Collaborative, Ecological Model of Parenting, by Marguerite A. Wright 3. Giving Voice: An Exploration of the Integration of Social Justice and Infant Mental Health, by Erica Torres and Kathryn Orfirer Part II. Preparing the Organization for Its Work with Transitional Families 4. Letting Some Air into the Room: Opening Agency Space for Considerations of Culture and Power, by Lisa R. Berndt 5. Rediscovering Positive Work Relationships Within a Diverse Relationship-Based Organization: Serving Children in Transition, by Karen Thomas Part III. Promising Programs and Culturally Informed Interventions 6. Transforming Shame: Allowing Memories in Foster Care to Inform Interventions with Foster Youth, by Lou Felipe 7. Crossing the Border and Facing the System: Challenges Immigrant Families Experience When a Child Is Removed from Their Care and Placed into the Child Welfare System, by Rosario Murga-Kusnir 8. "I Am Bad!", by Roberto Macias Sanchez 9. "When Do I Get to Go Home?", by Peggy Pearson 10. The CATS Project: Helping Families Land on Their Feet, by Vance Hitchner Part IV. Needs for the Future 11. A Systems Dilemma: Intergenerational Foster Care and Homelessness, by Cheryl Zlotnick List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisRecounts the day-to-day realities of the transracial and international adoption process.Trade ReviewThis excellent book notes the increasing diversity in American families and will be a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, medical doctors, teachers, and child welfare workers. -- Malinda Seymore, Texas A&M University, School of Law Both evidence-based and accessible. The research reflects the authors' multidisciplinary backgrounds and the growing interdisciplinary nature of the field of adoption research and practice. -- from the foreword by Hal Grotevant, University of Massachussetts-Amherst Rowena Fong and Ruth McRoy, two leading authorities in the field of adoption, have assembled highly talented researchers and practitioners to explore the complicated issues associated with transracial and intercountry adoptions. Their timely and informative book covers a range of topics from a multidisciplinary perspective. It raises important questions about adoption policy, ethical adoption practice, adoptive parent preparation, and supporting healthy racial and cultural identity in adopted individuals. Practice guidelines, case illustrations, and discussion questions enrich each of the chapters, making this volume especially appropriate as an academic and professional training resource. Transracial and Intercountry Adoptions should be required reading for adoption placement professionals, researchers, and practitioners who work with families adopting across racial and cultural lines. -- David Brodzinsky, National Center on Adoption and Permanency This work draws on the extensive research experience and broad social work practice experience of coeditors Fong and McRoy, in combination with the expertise contributed to specific chapters by a veritable 'who's who' of other researchers and practitioners who are leading figures in the world of transracial and intercountry adoptions. -- Hal Grotevant, University of Massachusetts, AmherstTable of ContentsForeword Acknowledgments Introduction, by Rowena Fong, Ruth McRoy and Ann Schwartz 1. Overview of Intercountry Adoptions, by Rowena Fong, Ruth McRoy, and Hollee McGinnis 2. Legal and Policy Issues Impacting Intercountry Adoption Practices, by Karen Rotabi and Carmen Monico 3. Overview of and Legal and Policy Issues Impacting Transracial Adoptions, by Ruth McRoy, Amy Griffin and Hollee McGinnis 4. Interculturally Competent Practice with Gay and Lesbian Families, by Devon Brooks, Doni Whitsett, and Jeremy T. Goldbach 5. A Neurodevelopmental Perspective and Clinical Challenges, by Bruce Perry, Erin Hambrick and Robert Perry 6. Ethnic Identity Formation, by Ellen E. Pinderhughes, Jessica A. K. Matthews, Xian Zhang 7. Mental Health Issues, by Amanda L. Baden, Jonathan R. Mazza, Andrew Kitchen, Elliotte Harrington, and Ebony White 8. Medical Issues, by Dana E. Johnson and Judith K. Eckerle 9. School Issues, by Jae Ran Kim and Beth Hall 10. The Need for Adoption Competent Mental Health Professionals, by Debbie Riley and Ellen Singer List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisRecounts the day-to-day realities of the transracial and international adoption process.Trade ReviewThis excellent book notes the increasing diversity in American families and will be a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, medical doctors, teachers, and child welfare workers. -- Malinda Seymore, Texas A&M University, School of Law Both evidence-based and accessible. The research reflects the authors' multidisciplinary backgrounds and the growing interdisciplinary nature of the field of adoption research and practice. -- from the foreword by Hal Grotevant, University of Massachussetts-Amherst Rowena Fong and Ruth McRoy, two leading authorities in the field of adoption, have assembled highly talented researchers and practitioners to explore the complicated issues associated with transracial and intercountry adoptions. Their timely and informative book covers a range of topics from a multidisciplinary perspective. It raises important questions about adoption policy, ethical adoption practice, adoptive parent preparation, and supporting healthy racial and cultural identity in adopted individuals. Practice guidelines, case illustrations, and discussion questions enrich each of the chapters, making this volume especially appropriate as an academic and professional training resource. Transracial and Intercountry Adoptions should be required reading for adoption placement professionals, researchers, and practitioners who work with families adopting across racial and cultural lines. -- David Brodzinsky, National Center on Adoption and Permanency This work draws on the extensive research experience and broad social work practice experience of coeditors Fong and McRoy, in combination with the expertise contributed to specific chapters by a veritable 'who's who' of other researchers and practitioners who are leading figures in the world of transracial and intercountry adoptions. -- Hal Grotevant, University of Massachusetts, AmherstTable of ContentsForeword Acknowledgments Introduction, by Rowena Fong, Ruth McRoy and Ann Schwartz 1. Overview of Intercountry Adoptions, by Rowena Fong, Ruth McRoy, and Hollee McGinnis 2. Legal and Policy Issues Impacting Intercountry Adoption Practices, by Karen Rotabi and Carmen Monico 3. Overview of and Legal and Policy Issues Impacting Transracial Adoptions, by Ruth McRoy, Amy Griffin and Hollee McGinnis 4. Interculturally Competent Practice with Gay and Lesbian Families, by Devon Brooks, Doni Whitsett, and Jeremy T. Goldbach 5. A Neurodevelopmental Perspective and Clinical Challenges, by Bruce Perry, Erin Hambrick and Robert Perry 6. Ethnic Identity Formation, by Ellen E. Pinderhughes, Jessica A. K. Matthews, Xian Zhang 7. Mental Health Issues, by Amanda L. Baden, Jonathan R. Mazza, Andrew Kitchen, Elliotte Harrington, and Ebony White 8. Medical Issues, by Dana E. Johnson and Judith K. Eckerle 9. School Issues, by Jae Ran Kim and Beth Hall 10. The Need for Adoption Competent Mental Health Professionals, by Debbie Riley and Ellen Singer List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVincent De Santis First Book Prize, Society for Historians of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (SHGAPE), 2017. "Birk makes a strong case for the significance of midwestern rural placement to the development of modern child welfare policies. Her study also raises questions about local placements within other regions of the country… This book will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the proto-welfare state, in childhood history, and in rural studies." --The Journal of American History"Birk forcefully describes the power of ideology and its tragic consequences, using institution records, newspapers, and reformers' publications. Recommended."--Choice "A richly detailed picture of child welfare in the period from 1870 to the Great Depression. The study's timeframe captures a significant period in the history of child welfare policy, while its geographical boundaries allow the author to examine the ground-level practices that resulted from those policies… An informative, interesting, and well-researched book that merits attention from historians in a broad range of fields."--Michigan Historical Review "Birk's book combines social and policy history, as the best works of social welfare history do, and it weaves the disparate stories of policy makers and advocates, volunteers and staff, and families and children across a variety of settings and periods into an organic whole… The result is a rich historical case that illustrates the complex, interlocking, and multitiered mechanisms of social change."--Social Service Review"A complicated story that Megan Birk details meticulously… Fostering the Farm describes the evolution of rural free foster care with precision and clarity, no small achievement when dealing with a phenomenon so disordered."--American Historical Review"Fostering on the Farm is particularly strong in its study of the rise of state agencies, state laws dealing with dependent children, the role of judges, and the influence of Progressive-era reformers at the federal level. . . . What it says about the Midwest is applicable to Kansas and other states west of the Mississippi where farm placement of children was common, child indenture was acceptable, and welfare practices came under greater scrutiny during the early 1900s."--Kansas History"Birk's book combines social and policy history, as the best works of social welfare history do, and it weaves the disparate stories of policy makers and advocates, volunteers and staff, and families and children across a variety of settings and periods into an organic whole. . . . The result is a rich historical case that illustrates the complex, interlocking, and multitiered mechanisms of social change."--Social Service Review"Birk's work closes important gaps in the historiography of dependent and orphaned children. . . . Overall, Birk's work on the rise and fall of farm placement demonstrates solid scholarship and a unique perspective of the development of fostering."--Agricultural History "Birk offers a well-reasoned, balanced assessment. . . . Those who are interested in the history of childhood, family, welfare policy, or rural America will especially appreciate this substantial book."--Journal of Illinois History "In Fostering on the Farm, Megan Birk offers an intertwined history of agrarian ideals and child welfare policy that is both sweeping and steeped in detail. . . . This book should not be missed."--Annals of Iowa "Meticulously researched, Fostering on the Farm complicates the history of dependent child placement and provides insight into the ways that local and state efforts informed twentieth-century federal child welfare policy."--Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth "Provides an important window into social welfare policy and rural history. Contributes to the slow but ever-increasing interest into rural childhood."--Kathleen Mapes, author of Sweet Tyranny: Migrant Labor, Industrial Agriculture, and Imperial Politics "This book explains a particularly important set of transitions in America's social history. . . . Megan Birk's book is required reading for all scholars interested in understanding rural America, child welfare, and the Gilded Age and Progressive Era."--Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, author of Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play and Coming of Age in the Midwest

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review”An inspiring message of resilience, hope and triumph for kids raised with painful adversities.”—Hoda Kotb, co-anchor, NBC Today”For those facing the longest odds, First Chance is a riveting journey from troubled homes to college classrooms.”—Robin McGraw, New York Times bestselling author

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVincent De Santis First Book Prize, Society for Historians of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (SHGAPE), 2017. "Birk makes a strong case for the significance of midwestern rural placement to the development of modern child welfare policies. Her study also raises questions about local placements within other regions of the country… This book will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the proto-welfare state, in childhood history, and in rural studies." --The Journal of American History"Birk forcefully describes the power of ideology and its tragic consequences, using institution records, newspapers, and reformers' publications. Recommended."--Choice "A richly detailed picture of child welfare in the period from 1870 to the Great Depression. The study's timeframe captures a significant period in the history of child welfare policy, while its geographical boundaries allow the author to examine the ground-level practices that resulted from those policies… An informative, interesting, and well-researched book that merits attention from historians in a broad range of fields."--Michigan Historical Review "Birk's book combines social and policy history, as the best works of social welfare history do, and it weaves the disparate stories of policy makers and advocates, volunteers and staff, and families and children across a variety of settings and periods into an organic whole… The result is a rich historical case that illustrates the complex, interlocking, and multitiered mechanisms of social change."--Social Service Review"A complicated story that Megan Birk details meticulously… Fostering the Farm describes the evolution of rural free foster care with precision and clarity, no small achievement when dealing with a phenomenon so disordered."--American Historical Review"Fostering on the Farm is particularly strong in its study of the rise of state agencies, state laws dealing with dependent children, the role of judges, and the influence of Progressive-era reformers at the federal level. . . . What it says about the Midwest is applicable to Kansas and other states west of the Mississippi where farm placement of children was common, child indenture was acceptable, and welfare practices came under greater scrutiny during the early 1900s."--Kansas History"Birk's book combines social and policy history, as the best works of social welfare history do, and it weaves the disparate stories of policy makers and advocates, volunteers and staff, and families and children across a variety of settings and periods into an organic whole. . . . The result is a rich historical case that illustrates the complex, interlocking, and multitiered mechanisms of social change."--Social Service Review"Birk's work closes important gaps in the historiography of dependent and orphaned children. . . . Overall, Birk's work on the rise and fall of farm placement demonstrates solid scholarship and a unique perspective of the development of fostering."--Agricultural History "Birk offers a well-reasoned, balanced assessment. . . . Those who are interested in the history of childhood, family, welfare policy, or rural America will especially appreciate this substantial book."--Journal of Illinois History "In Fostering on the Farm, Megan Birk offers an intertwined history of agrarian ideals and child welfare policy that is both sweeping and steeped in detail. . . . This book should not be missed."--Annals of Iowa "Meticulously researched, Fostering on the Farm complicates the history of dependent child placement and provides insight into the ways that local and state efforts informed twentieth-century federal child welfare policy."--Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth "Provides an important window into social welfare policy and rural history. Contributes to the slow but ever-increasing interest into rural childhood."--Kathleen Mapes, author of Sweet Tyranny: Migrant Labor, Industrial Agriculture, and Imperial Politics "This book explains a particularly important set of transitions in America's social history. . . . Megan Birk's book is required reading for all scholars interested in understanding rural America, child welfare, and the Gilded Age and Progressive Era."--Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, author of Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play and Coming of Age in the Midwest

Read more less

Book SynopsisIntended for those who seek to understand the effects of adoption - including adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, and their friends and families, this title includes material on the controversies concerning adoption and reproductive technologies.Trade ReviewLooks at adoption from all sides of the triangle: adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parents.... A provocative, comprehensive inquiry. - Kirkus Reviews ""Important and powerful.... [the author] is concerned not just with adoptees but with the experience of adoptive parents and birth parents."" - Psychology Today ""An articulate and convincing account of people Lifton has interviewed, men and women who feel crippled by not knowing who their parents were. Included are reports on dealers in black-market babies and equally disturbing information on supposedly reputable adoption agencies."" - Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book Synopsis"As a social and legal institution of family formation, and as a personal experience of members of the adoption triad, adoption provides a fresh vantage point on an important set of philosophical and feminist issues. The family is often thought to be...Trade ReviewIn this provocative collection, thirteen feminist scholars (most of whom are adoptive mothers or adopted daughters) consider adoption within the conceptual framework of family. Integrating philosophy and personal experience, the contributors explore the privileging of the heterosexual family, biologism, and whiteness and unpack the effects of dominant social norms on the individual and family. * Library Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisEstye Fenton studies parents in the United States who adopted internationally in the past decade. She investigates the experiences of a cohort of adoptive mothers who were forced to negotiate their desire to be parents in the context of a growing societal awareness of international adoption as a flawed reproductive marketplace.Trade Review"In The End of International Adoption, Estye Fenton brings us an eagerly awaited examination of the experiences of parents who adopted their children internationally in the last decade. This cohort of adoptive parents entered adoption during a time of both dramatically declining numbers of international placements and increasing public critique of this route to family formation. Timely and relevant, Fenton’s monograph is a welcome addition to the scholarship on international adoption and contemporary families." -- Heather Jacobson * author of Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies *“This book tells a compelling, nuanced story about the changing contemporary landscape of international adoption. A must read for anyone interested in understanding modern American family life.” -- Leslie Wang * author of Outsourced Children: Orphanage Care and Adoption in Globalizing China *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: International Adoption in the Twenty-First Century Chapter 3: “We’re on the Market Again” Chapter 4: Parental Anxiety and Interwoven Decision-Making Surrounding Race, Health, and “Fitness” Chapter 5: Murky Truths and Double-Binds Chapter 6: The Reproductive Politics of International Adoption Appendix: Methods and Sample Characteristics Participant Biographies References

Read more less

Book SynopsisEstye Fenton studies parents in the United States who adopted internationally in the past decade. She investigates the experiences of a cohort of adoptive mothers who were forced to negotiate their desire to be parents in the context of a growing societal awareness of international adoption as a flawed reproductive marketplace.Trade Review"In The End of International Adoption, Estye Fenton brings us an eagerly awaited examination of the experiences of parents who adopted their children internationally in the last decade. This cohort of adoptive parents entered adoption during a time of both dramatically declining numbers of international placements and increasing public critique of this route to family formation. Timely and relevant, Fenton’s monograph is a welcome addition to the scholarship on international adoption and contemporary families." -- Heather Jacobson * author of Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies *“This book tells a compelling, nuanced story about the changing contemporary landscape of international adoption. A must read for anyone interested in understanding modern American family life.” -- Leslie Wang * author of Outsourced Children: Orphanage Care and Adoption in Globalizing China *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: International Adoption in the Twenty-First Century Chapter 3: “We’re on the Market Again” Chapter 4: Parental Anxiety and Interwoven Decision-Making Surrounding Race, Health, and “Fitness” Chapter 5: Murky Truths and Double-Binds Chapter 6: The Reproductive Politics of International Adoption Appendix: Methods and Sample Characteristics Participant Biographies References

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Deborah Gold and her husband signed up to foster parent in their rural mountain community, they did not foresee that it would lead to a roller-coaster fifteen years of involvement with a traumatized yet resilient birth family.Trade Review“Counting Down is a deeply moving memoir about both the rewards and the daunting challenges of being a foster family. By choosing to incorporate both parent and child perspectives, Deborah Gold has created a unique and valuable book. Bravo.”"(Counting Down is) definitely a must-read for any foster parent.“ * Fostering Families Today *“Counting Down provides a deep dive into fostering and adoption…. (P)rovide(s) insight into the human emotions and reasoning within a chaotic system. These insights are useful for prospective foster parents wondering what types of relationships and obstacles to expect; current foster parents will find encouragement, advice, and validation in the stories.” * Appalachian Journal *“After reading this book, I realize that foster parents are the bravest people in the world. Deborah Gold's eloquent and thorough portrayal of this experience is not only enlightening, it is revelatory. And beautifully written, with wonderful additions by her foster son Michael. Counting Down reads like a novel and should be required reading in every child psychology and women's studies class, and in every education, family law, and medical course in the country.””A beautiful and poignant story of love, commitment, strength, and understanding. Foster and adoptive parents are its natural audience; however, Ms. Gold is such an engaging writer that anyone could appreciate this inspirational story about the difficult and often disheartening subject of foster parenting. … An excellent memoir underscoring persistence, acceptance and hope.” * Growing Intentional Families Together newsletter *“Counting Down is an extraordinary story of loss and recovery that documents the breakdown and rebuilding of lives, family, and human potential. Deborah Gold is a gifted writer, and the kind of person who makes our world not only bearable but meaningful. This an intimate account of struggle, joy, and the bonds that sustain families and communities.”

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Deborah Gold and her husband signed up to foster parent in their rural mountain community, they did not foresee that it would lead to a roller-coaster fifteen years of involvement with a traumatized yet resilient birth family.Trade Review“Counting Down is a deeply moving memoir about both the rewards and the daunting challenges of being a foster family. By choosing to incorporate both parent and child perspectives, Deborah Gold has created a unique and valuable book. Bravo.”"(Counting Down is) definitely a must-read for any foster parent.“ * Fostering Families Today *“Counting Down provides a deep dive into fostering and adoption…. (P)rovide(s) insight into the human emotions and reasoning within a chaotic system. These insights are useful for prospective foster parents wondering what types of relationships and obstacles to expect; current foster parents will find encouragement, advice, and validation in the stories.” * Appalachian Journal *“After reading this book, I realize that foster parents are the bravest people in the world. Deborah Gold's eloquent and thorough portrayal of this experience is not only enlightening, it is revelatory. And beautifully written, with wonderful additions by her foster son Michael. Counting Down reads like a novel and should be required reading in every child psychology and women's studies class, and in every education, family law, and medical course in the country.””A beautiful and poignant story of love, commitment, strength, and understanding. Foster and adoptive parents are its natural audience; however, Ms. Gold is such an engaging writer that anyone could appreciate this inspirational story about the difficult and often disheartening subject of foster parenting. … An excellent memoir underscoring persistence, acceptance and hope.” * Growing Intentional Families Together newsletter *“Counting Down is an extraordinary story of loss and recovery that documents the breakdown and rebuilding of lives, family, and human potential. Deborah Gold is a gifted writer, and the kind of person who makes our world not only bearable but meaningful. This an intimate account of struggle, joy, and the bonds that sustain families and communities.”

Read more less