This text provides coverage of the major research and theoretical perspectives on adoption, reviewing the work of several disciplines within psychology, sociology and social work. It also looks at the development of children once adopted.

With the change in the range of children needing adoption, the issues surrounding adoption have increased in complexity. As older and more disturbed children are being placed for adoption, the demands these children make on post-adoption workers and parents is considerable. This text takes a broad sweep of the major research and theoretical perspectives on adoption, reviewing the work of several disciplines within psychology, sociology and social work. The book introduces the reader to the full range of knowledge and understanding.