I've been debating whether or not to get into detailing a big virtual fist-to-cuffs that's taking place in the adoption community right now. If you're not already knee deep in it, you may want to stay well clear, as it's getting nasty, but if you're willing to wade around in doo-doo for a bit, you'll learn a lot.

Many of us would blush at some of the filthy names that are being thrown around as personal attacks go into full swing ... 'swing' as in 'punches', few of which have seen any attempt at pulling ... and aspersions cast against everything from suspected sexual preference to schooling.

Hoping that she'll forgive me for noticing, I'll mention that ... more

Continuing on adoption reform hero Dr. Elizabeth Bartholet from here.

In discussing real reform in the adoption world, I chose "Educate Others" as the second step. Although I do what I can through this blog and others, it's people like Dr. Elizabeth Bartholet that lead the charge, making a huge difference... more

Continuing the series on adoption reform that appears on this blog sporadically, today's post features a look a someone who does so much more to make a difference for the positive than simply wag fingers in vaguely accusatory directions and slap the same old, tired links all over the place in an effort to make tiny bits... more

Before I get into today's news topic, I'd like to take a page from Heather's blogstyle book and begin with a few statements in bold:

I AM FULLY IN FAVOR OF REFORMING ADOPTION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE ASPECTS OF THE ADOPTION PROCESS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT UNSAVORY. SOME ADOPTIONS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. IN ADOPTION, AS IN MOST THINGS, MONEY IS AT THE ROOT OF EVIL.

Now, I'll get to this story out of India titled, "The Business of Adoption".

This... more

Educating others in an effort to reform adoption goes far beyond teaching proper lingo and keeping the media honest. Sharing our hard-earned wisdom also means reaching out to others who may just be finding themselves thinking of putting a toe over into the adoption world as, as always, forearmed is forewarned.

Participating in forums like the one here on Adoption.com where newbies are free to browse information, ask questions and solicit comments is a great way to work toward people starting out on the right foot with... more

The first step toward real reforms in adoption is educating yourself, since the responsibility for ethical behavior is always, at its heart, a personal thing.

Since, however, adoption doesn't happen in a vacuum the road to deep and meaningful reform must pass through the entire community, and not only the adoption community.

Misinformation about adoption is rife in the world. Incorrect assumptions are made about every note of the triad chord and most of the details that are involved in the process of adopting. Birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees are all cast... more

This list of resources for self-education for those coming to adoption with little real information is continued from here.

The Human Rights Databank gives a complete view into just why international adoption is often a wonderful thing, as a picture of the real world is all that's needed to remind people of how life, and death, is for far too many children.

... quite possibly the world’s most comprehensive listing of human rights material derived from independent, grassroots NGOs around the globe. All 12... more

Continued from the previous post.

The Adoption Institute is possibly the best place to start the learning adventure that leads to adoption, as the wealth of information there is broad and comprehensive and has no agenda aside from fairness and honest evaluation.

Started up by an adoptive parent and headed now by another, the Institute is all about promoting ethical practices and legal reforms.

Ethica is... more

Adoption doesn't happen in a vacuum, but those new to the experience may get the idea that reinventing the wheel is required -- no matter which angle they come from.

This lack of familiarity with the adoption world ... an innocence, if you like, of unimagined complexities ... is a set-up.

With the real-world situation of lives literally at stake, blind trust that everything will go as it should and everyone involved is compassionate, caring and ethical is just plain silly. I can think of few circumstances that have less business prompting sheepish following , but that can be exactly the case when people are afraid, desperate and easily intimidated.

Although ... more