People approaching adoption may conduct some research, either through materials available at the public library or over the Internet as probably the best first step.  There are books that help with the decision-making process, and understanding policies, procedures, and issues for both domestic and international adoptions.  Some of the recommended books on adoption are:

• The Adoption Resource Book. Lois Gilman, HarperPerennial, 1998.
• Family Bonds: Adoption and the Politics of Parenting. Elizabeth Bartholet, Houghton Mifflin, 1993.
• The Law of Adoption and Surrogate Parenting. Irving J. Sloan, Oceana Publications, 1988.
• The Unofficial Guide to Adopting a Child. Andrea Della-Vecchio, IDG Books Worldwide, 2000.