"The Politics of Adoption" identifies and analyzes the fundamental social and legal functions of adoption. It is a timely publication as across the world adoption law reform is now giving rise to contentious issues. The change process underway in England and Wales offers an opportunity and a perspective to explore areas of commonality and difference in the experience of other nations. It also provides a window through which to examine the presumption that within and between cultures there exists a common understanding of what is meant by adoption.This book offers a comparative analysis of developments in the law, policy and practice of adoption in England and Wales, the US, Australia and Ireland. It explores the global phenomenon of intercountry adoption. The impact of the European Convention and other international legal instruments are assessed and the resulting implications for the future of adoption are considered. It suggests that the more open experience of adoption in indigenous communities such as the Maori of New Zealand, the Aboriginal people of Australia and the Inuit of Canada challenges some of the basic assumptions underpinning adoption law in modern western nations.' This is an excellent publication for those wanting to get an international perspective on the politics of adoption. It is authoritative and greatly informative' - Professor John Triseliotis. 'Kerry O'Halloran's "Politics of Adoption" provides a comprehensive and thoughtful overview of adoption law, both domestic and international, in the common law world. It is an invaluable resource not only for practitioners and scholars but for anyone interested in acquiring an in depth understanding of adoption in all its forms and complexity' - Barbara Bennett Woodhouse; David H. Levin, Chair in Family Law, Director, Center on Children and Families; and, Fredric G. Levin College of Law Co-Director, Institute for Child and Adolescent Research and Evaluation (ICARE) Gainesville, Florida.