FRUA National: FRUA supports adoptive families and children around the world. The true experts on adoption from the former Soviet Union and neighboring countries are YOU...the families who have "been there and done that"! FRUA exists to support adoptive families who are considering adoption, in the process of adopting and those who have returned home with their precious children! FRUA is an organization that is for everyone; whether you are just beginning to travel the road to adoption or you've been a forever family for awhile! LAPAS encourages it's members to join a local branch of FRUA for adoption information, education and support close to home! http://www.frua.org

ADOPTION AGENCY RESEARCH

FRUA Chat FRUA National offers a free chat for adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. Please check out the topic "Agencies". www.frua.org

Adoption Agency Reseach Yahoo GroupThe Adoption Agency Research Group was formed to help prospective adoptive parents in their research and selection of an international adoption agency. The group is for consumers only, agencies are not permitted. groups.yahoo.com/group/Adoption_Agency_Research

The Adoption Agency ChecklistThis list was compiled by an adoptive father after much research (and continuing research) and experince with adoptions gone wrong. Practical list of questions and steps to take to help you find the right agency. www.adoptionagencychecklist.com

GENERAL ADOPTION EDUCATION/SUPPORT

Pre-Adoption Information & Support:

Thinking of AdoptingThinking of Adopting is a group of adoptive parents, the real adoption experts, who want to help you decide if adoption is right for you. They provide the information you need for your adoption journey. Their mission is to help more people take a “leap of faith” so that more children get their forever homes. Services include: links, chat, teleconferencing with adoption experts, newsletter, and suggested reading.www.thinkingofadopting.com

Pre and Post Adoption Information and Support:

Comeunity Adoption Comeunity webpages provide hundreds of articles and resources for families in all stages of the adoption process. www.comeunity.com

ADOPTION ETHICS

Ethica: www.ethicanet.org Ethica is a nonprofit corporation that seeks to be an impartial voice for ethical adoption practices worldwide, and provides education, assistance, and advocacy to the adoption and foster care communities.

PEAR: www.pear-now.org PEAR is a non profit corporation consisting of adoptive and prospective adoptive parents who have come together to discuss the lack of a unified, respected voice for adoptive families.

POST ADOPTION DEPRESSION

Articles:

Adoption and Depression Article by Karen Ledbetter http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art385.asp

Baby-Shock: Depression and International Adoption Article by Jean McLeod http://www.adoptionparenting.net/page21.html

Post Adoption Depression - The Silence and the Secrecy Article on PADS http://www.rainbowkids.com/1003depression.htm

Post-Adoption Depression - What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You Article by Ninotchka Beavers http://iparentingadoption.com/resources/articles/pad.htm

When Instant Love Isn't There Article by Susan M. Ward http://www.olderchildadoption.com/parenting/instantlove.htm

Support Groups:

PostAdoptionDepression Yahoo Group This group is for support of those who have adopted internationally who are experiencing Post-Adoption Depression: stress, depression, the blues, after bringing home their child/children. You are not alone! This group will be a comfortable and supportive place for those new moms/dads questioning their decision to adopt, their parenting ability, and other post-adoption transition troubles! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PostAdoptionDepression