Patricia Irwin Johnston - Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families

Sound Choices, Strong Families

Perspectives Press, Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Copyright 2008 by Patricia Irwin Johnston

All rights reserved. No part of this book may bereproduced in any manner or form whatsoever, electrical ormechanical, including photocopying, recording, Internet orinformation storage and retrieval system, without writtenpermission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied incritical articles and reviews. For information, address thepublisher:

PerspectivesPress, Inc.
P.O. Box 90318
Indianapolis, IN 46290-0318
USA
(317) 872-3055
www.perspectivespress.com

Book and cover designed by Bookwrights
Manufactured in the United States of America
Hardcover ISBN-13 978-0-944934-34-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-PublicationData

Johnston, Patricia Irwin.

Adopting: sound choices, strong families / byPatricia Irwin Johnston.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-0-944934-34-0

1. Adoption. I. Title.

HV875.J677 2007

362.734--dc22

2007033077

To Dave, Joel, Erica, Lindsey, and Mary Jane, and toBaby Girl Marchettithe much anticipated granddaughter who will beborn between the time this book goes to press in October 2007 andthe time you hold it in your handsshe will become the first memberof yet another generation of our multiracial, multi-ethnic, birthand adoption expanded family.

Buzz is building about

As I finished reading Pat Johnston's newbookAdopting Sound Choices, Strong FamiliesI felt as if Ihad just found Adoptipedia. Johnston leaves no rock unturned asshe takes readers through a journey which begins long before peopleeven know or realize that they may have an adoption journey. Sheexamines every single issue mentioned in adoption literature; Ifound each page filled with valuable information for thoseindividuals considering adoption. This well integrated piece ofwork is a must read for anyone thinking about adopting; it shouldbe mandatory reading for all professionals who work within theadoption arena. Johnston illuminates issues well beyond thosetypically addressed in pre-adoptive training. This will become ahandbook for those exploring adoption and for those working withthem. I highly recommend this book!

Gregory C. Keck, Ph.D., Founder/Director of theAttachment & Bonding Center of Ohio co-author of Adoptingthe Hurt Child fand Parenting the Hurt Child

The world of adoption has changed dramatically overthe last few years, making this update to Pat Johnston's previousbooks an essential tool. Adopting: Sound Choices, StrongFamilies will become one of the classic resources for theadoption community.

Mark T. McDermott, Esq. Adoptive Parent, AdoptionAttorney Past president of the American Academy of AdoptionAttorneys

Pat Johnston has the unique ability to understand thefeelings of a person struggling with infertility and has once againshown why she is the authority on infertility and adoptionresources. Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families is awonderful tool that will help many people trying to make thetransition from the emotional burdens of infertility to adoption. Iwould recommend this book for my infertility patients, regardlessof where they are in the treatment process

Jeffrey L. Deaton, M.D. Reproductive EndocrinologistPremier Fertility Center, North Carolina

Touched both personally and professionally byadoption for over three decades, Pat Johnston brings to her newestwork, Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families, wisedirection and thorough advice gained from such incredible lifeexperiences. With solid insight, Pat guides her readers through theearly stages of exploring and learning about adoption through topreparation for a child's arrival and the early months that follow,touching the emotional, relational and practical aspects of thejourney. She fills each and every chapter with valuable informationfor families considering adoption and for the professionals thatguide them in their journey of family building. This book will be agreat addition to any agency's pre-adoption suggested reading. Ihighly recommend this tremendous resource!

Jayne Schooler author and adoption educatorauthor/co-author of The Whole Life Adoption Book andTelling the Truth to Your Adopted and Foster Child.

I have been recommending Pat Johnston's Adoptingafter Infertility for 15 years. In truth, I have almost insistedthat prospective adopting parents read what I have considered to bethe adoption Bible.

I didn't think it was possible to improve uponAdopting after Infertility, but Pat has done it again. Adopting:Sound Choices, Strong Families has incorporated the wisdom of herprior books and expanded to include updated material and currentadoption professionals' thinking on virtually every imaginableaspect of adoption.

This is the quintessential book for those consideringadoption and those who are already adoptive families. It is also amust-read for those facing any genetic or gestational loss, as sheguides singles and couples through the grief process, helping themto make wise and considered family building choices. Thorough andclear, this book is simply excellent. I will be buying it, giftingit, loaning it and reading it for many years to come.

Carole LieberWilkins, M.A. Marriage and FamilyTherapist

Pat Johnston's book Adopting: Sound Choices,Strong Families is a thoughtfully written book that addresses amyriad of unique issues likely to be encountered by familiespreparing to embark on their adoption journey. Richly illustratedby poignant and sometimes humorous vignettes it delves into thecomplex aspects of adoptive parenting in a style that iscompassionate and child focused. Married couples, same gendercouples and singles hoping to build their family through adoptionwill find Pat's practical how-tos and sound advice invaluable.This comprehensive book is my number one choice for families andprofessionals seeking to broaden their knowledge of adoption.

Jane M. Page, LCSW Clinical Director of Adoption TheCradle, Evanston Illinois

Having placed my son for adoption almost a decadeago, only through Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Familieshave I come to know and respect the dragons faced by my sonsadoptive parents. Underlying this book is a great how-to guide forcommunication in marriages, whether the issue faced is infertilityor who cleans what when! Through Pat Johnstons insight, expertise,and personal experience in the fields of adoption and infertility,she brings knowledge and understanding to a diverse audience ofreaders from infertile couples and singles, to their children, tosupportive family members and friends, to parents consideringplacement and birthparents who stand on the other side of theadoption process, to the media and general public. Certainly, amust read

Courtney Lewis Birthmother and Adoption Advocate

I couldn't be more thrilled with Pat Johnston'slatest book Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families. Thereis a tremendous need for such a comprehensive work addressing allfamily compositions and every avenue of adoption. Her chapters onattachment and transitioning are extremely relevant and applicableand should be required reading for any family considering adoption(as well as those formed by birth). Pat's voice educates andentertains simultaneously. Her new book is a must read for adoptionworkers, families and those who support them.