Transracial adoption (or interracial adoption) – refers to the adoption of a child that is of a different race than that of the adoptive parents.
The quickest cure for racism would be to have everyone in the country adopt a child of another race. No matter what your beliefs, when you hold a four-day-old infant, love him, and care for him, you don’t see skin color, you see a little person that is very much in need of your love. – Robert Dale Morrison
Until the 1950’s transracial adoptions were not only considered unorthodox, but were heavily frowned upon and discouraged by adoption agencies. Social workers implemented the notion that, prospective parents already faced a number of obstacles during the adoption process, and “race matching” would increase the likelihood of a successful placement. It wasn’t until post World-War II, with large numbers of orphaned children, that interracial adoption began to rise in the U.S.
Today it is not unusual to see families of different races, backgrounds and ethnicities. While some prospective parents choose to adopt a child with the same racial background as their own, many families are more receptive to the idea of diversifying their household.
Adopting a child across racial lines will undoubtedly bring a unique set of challenges, however maintaining an open mind will transform said challenges into joyous learning experiences. There are various ways to prepare for a transracial adoption, as well as making sure your child feels accepted and comfortable despite her ethnic differences.
Check your attitude
Analyze your own beliefs and bias regarding race. If you have ever passed judgment because of someone’s ethnicity, color of skin, etc., you must consider if a transracial adoption is the right fit for you.
Be prepared to support her culture
It is important to explore your child’s heritage and familiarize yourself with customs, traditions, holidays, languages and/or even popular dishes. Help your child embrace her identity and foster new ways to celebrate her ethnicity. Be sure to involve the entire family in the celebration of her culture, as opposed to just relying on camps, books and dolls to teach your child about her heritage.
Do not shy away from confronting racial disparities
It would be a disservice to your child not to address racial plights they may encounter – this is especially true for Caucasian parents who have adopted or are considering adopting a child of color. Being open and honest about race relations in America, will not only assist her to appropriately deal with racism, but make her feel comfortable coming to you about any questions or concerns she may have.
Join community or play groups
Allow your child to interact with children that share similar ethnic backgrounds. Providing opportunities to be surrounded by others that look like her, will help boost her confidence and self-worth. Build genuine relationships with people of your child’s race. It’s important for your child to see racial mirrors in their community.
Talk to other adoptive parents
Talking to other families who have adopted transracially gives parents the opportunity to share experiences, address concerns or simply just a chance to converse with others who can relate to your journey.
Embrace the good and the bad
Be willing to be uncomfortable and accept that there will be a lot you don’t know. Often times you will hear transracial adoptive parents say; “I had no idea” or “I didn’t know”. Don’t expect to know it all, similar to biological parents, you will learn as you grow with your child. Moreover, be completely committed to the process and understand your child’s needs as a transracial adoptee.
Like with a traditional adoption, a transracial adoption comes with some insecurities and fears. But with the proper resources, support and a trustworthy agency, it can and will provide your family with unconditional love, joy and fulfillment.
Resources:
https://onlinepsych.pepperdine.edu/blog/empowering-adopted-children-of-color-in-the-face-of-racism/
https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/transracial_adoption
http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/blj/vol20/morrison.pdf
Facebook Groups:
Not Just Hair: The intersection of Hair/Skincare and Transracial Adoption
