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Flying Solo

Single Parent Adoption

Part Two

By National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

To learn more about the adoption situation in your state, you will want to contact the state's Department of Public Welfare or Social Services and local public and private adoption agencies. Their addresses can be obtained from your local phone book or by contacting the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse can provide listings by state of agencies and can answer specific questions about the types of children who are available. You may choose to find a child through a private or inter-country adoption, but as Lois Gilman points out, "touching base initially with local agencies gives you a better grasp of adoption in the United States and in your state today."

Another resource for this type of information is the National Adoption Center, 1500 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 735- 9988 or 1-800-TO-ADOPT.

Books on adoption in general and single parent adoption in particular may be available in your local library or bookstore. Books on childcare and development are also relevant as you consider raising a child, especially books with sections on single parenting. The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse is a valuable resource that provides information free of charge and can recommend more books and articles on these topics.