adoption

Adoption is an emotionally charged topic, but a new study reports some hopeful news: Most adopted children in the US are happy and healthy.

The report includes the most extensive national data ever gathered on adopted children in the US and says 85 percent of adopted children's parents report they are in excellent or very good health. And, 88 percent of adopted children age six and older showed positive social behaviors.

The "Adoption USA" report was written by researchers at Child Trends and the US Department of Health and Human Services and based on questions in the first ever study of families who have adopted children through foster care, private domestic adoption or international adoption.

For a breakdown of some of the study's other findings, read more

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is technically over but that doesn't mean the good deeds should stop. No matter the season, keep these needy dogs in our minds — 'cause they still need help!

9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting	5 Resources to Adopt a Purebred Pooch	6 Common Pre-Adoption Requests
Understand Rescue Facts and Fiction	4 Ways to Help Shelters (Without Donations)	What Do You Know About Animal Shelters?

It's a sad fact we know to be true, but pets in shelters are often overlooked. Not only are there preconceived notions about these animals, but the reality is that some people just don't check out the lonely furballs in these locations. In order to draw attention to their plight, the Shelter Pet Project created some clever PSAs. Don't worry, they're using humor to pull on your heartstrings.

See one more video — with a smooshy Boston Terrier — when you read more

In October's Vanity Fair, Levi Johnston says Sarah Palin asked to adopt his and Bristol's baby and keep it as her own. According to Levi:

"Sarah told me she had a great idea: we would keep it a secret — nobody would know that Bristol was pregnant. She told me that once Bristol had the baby she and Todd would adopt him. That way, she said, Bristol and I didn’t have to worry about anything. Sarah kept mentioning this plan. She was nagging — she wouldn’t give up."

Does this make you, once again, possibly doubt the legitimacy of Sarah Palin's youngest, Tripp Palin, or could you not care less?

Either way, Vanity Fair has released a behind-the-scenes video from his NYC photo shoot, and it's kind of great. We see Levi's transformation from Wasilla casual to a guy in an expensive suit on a high-rise's ledge. Urban suicidal? See for yourself after the jump.

Newborn adoptees can be anywhere from hours to weeks old when placed with the families that will raise them so the process is similar to bringing home a baby from the hospital. Moms and dads who opted for an international adoption process or are adopting older children may be faced with some challenges as all parties mesh into a family.  Here are some tips for easing that transition.

• Make the child's room a safe place for them by surrounding them with familiar sights, be it photos of their hometown, a favorite stuffed animal or blanket they brought with them, or CDs filled with music they may have listened to prior to entering your life.
• Give the child time to understand who the new family is before allowing others to spend excessive amounts of time in your home.  Avoid overnight guests for the first month or so until the tot is comfortable with the people he sees on a daily basis.
• Many internationally adopted tots were not properly nourished in their birth countries and can take to sneaking and hiding food out of fear. Allow them to keep some snacks in their room to help establish trust and show them how easily accessible the kitchen is at all times.
• Give the child choices in terms of the food that she eats and the clothes that she wears. Initially she may feel that she was forced into this new relationship.  By giving her choices, she will feel that she has some control of her situation.

Families of adoptees will experience the same joys and frustrations of other parents throughout their lives, but they will also face some unique challenges, particularly if their children are from different backgrounds. For tips on how to handle these situations, read more