Some states have handbooks that assist prospective adoptive parents in negotiating the adoption process. Below are some handbooks that are available on-line.

• Alaska: Adoption and Guardianship
  This guidebook is about choosing adoption or guardianship for a child in state custody. It provides basic information on adoption and guardianship, the process for both options, a comparison of adoption and guardianship, and information about how the adoption and guardianship subsidy program works.
  
  

  Illinois: Making the Adoption/Guardianship Decision
  This handbook provides basic information about adoption and guardianship, family considerations in decision-making, an adoption/guardianship comparison, answers to common questions about financial assistance, birth parent rights, responsibilities of adoptive families and guardians and more!

  Massachusetts: Adopting in Massachusetts
  A step by step guide to help people through the process of adoption. An 84-page consumer friendly publication, this book is offered as a public service by the Center for Adoption Research. The book provides clear information about getting started, exploring options, choosing an approach and selecting an agency. Additionally, the financial and legal implications are explored

  
  

  Missouri:

  • Adoption Guide
    This guide from the Missouri Bar was written to briefly explain the adoption laws in the state of Missouri and the process a prospective adoptive family must complete before the adoption is final.

  • Welcome Home
    This step-by-step guide from the Missouri Attorney General's Office leads prospective parents through Missouri's adoption process from finding children to bringing them home for the rest of their lives. Contact information and other resources are provided.

  New Hampshire: An Incredible Journey
  This guide from the NH Adoption Advisory Council provides information and resources to support successful permanency for children, and can be used by foster parents, those considering adoption, adoptive parents, community partners and agency serving youth and families.

  New Mexico: Children, Youth & Families Department Adoption Guidebook
  An online guide to adopting in New Mexico

  New York: How to Adopt a New York Waiting Child
  Step by step guidance from the New York State Office of Children & Family Services.

  Ohio Adoption Guide
  This online booklet gives a general overview of the adoption process and options open throughout Ohio.
  

  Oregon Adoption Assistance Handbook
  This handbook focuses on Oregon's special needs adoption assistance program.

  Vermont Adoption Handbook
  This handbook is published annually by the Vermont Adoption Consortium as a resource for people thinking about building their families through adoption as well as those who already have.