Though things may change this year, because of tightened adoption restrictions from countries like China, 2006 was a big year for foreign adoptions. The U.S. State Department issued over 20,000 visas for adopted children coming from other countries.

"The process of adopting a child from another country generally costs between $15,000 and $30,000. This can include the cost of travel, immigration processing, an orphanage donation, translation and medical expenses..."

The U.S. is planning, this year, to ratify the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption which ensures that adoptions won't involve abduction, sale, or trafficking of children. Read more at HonoluluAdvertiser.com.

A writer for a fashion magazine recently caused a storm when she declared that a transracially adopted child is the hot fashion accessory of the moment. Despite negative comments like those, there is a very positive side to the recent vogue in adoption. Learn more now >>