Transracial Adoption Issues
Overview
Studies have repeatedly confirmed the personal observations of adoption advocates and mental health professionals; multiple transitions and a delayed permanent placement are far more injurious in the long run to children than transracial and transcultural adoption. Research also clearly demonstrates transracial adoption is a viable option with excellent outcomes for both child and family. Furthermore it appears in all examined age groups to produce children whose self-esteem is at least as high as that of non-adopted children and whose adjustment is highly satisfactory.
Despite differing beliefs and points of view over the past thirty years, adoption professionals note several factors have contributed to the increasing number of transracial and transcultural adoptions. Certainly there continues to be a segment of adoptive families who feel connected to a specific race or culture on account of their own ancestry, experience, or because of a certain child. However, the decreasing number of Caucasian infants available for adoption in the United States coupled along with the policy of some adoption agencies that does not accept singles or applicants older than 40 has most significantly driven this increase.
As adoptive families will share, the decision to adopt brings with it numerous issues and challenges as well as amazing pleasure and joy. Adopting a child of another race or culture adds additional elements to prepare for and consider. Not only is an examination of personal beliefs regarding race and ethnicity before adopting a child of another race or culture necessary but also parents need to explore their ability to tolerate being considered "different". Many families comfortably embrace being atypical. Their friends and countless others will support their choice, them, and the adopted child. Other's need to be honest and realistic; they, their friends and family members, may have a racial bias and will be uncomfortable with standing out from the norm and not provide much support for the family or adopted child.
Most transracial adoptees have a sense of identity with their racial background, but the intensity of identity depends, to a point, on the commitment of the adoptive parents to nurture it. Clearly all parents should not condone their own children or others teasing people who are different based on race and ethnic groups, or any other characteristic such as gender, religion, age and physical or other disability. Likewise it should be made clear to not assume all people of one group behave the same way. Successful transracial adoptive parents will share they need to work to assist their children in developing not only self-esteem but cultural pride as well. It is particularly important for children of color adopted by Caucasian parents to be around adults and children of various ethnic groups, and particularly, to see adult role models of the same race or ethnic group. These mentors can teach them about their ethnic heritage and over time be an invaluable resource of support.
Adoption authorities foresee the number and need for transracial adoptions will continue to increase over the coming years. Furthermore they anticipate a high proportion of these adoptions will be children of color with special needs. As in marriage, it is true love is not enough to make any adoptive placement successful. However, with unconditional commitment, dedication, and the development of love the likelihood of a successful placement dramatically increases. Whether of differing cultures or ethnic backgrounds, one of the best things adoptive parents can do for their adoptive child and themselves is simply to enjoy them, to treasure and celebrate likenesses and differences and to let the child know they are a special and wanted child.
Original Article: Adoption Articles Directory *
It is amazing that even today, the people in the US still have problems accepting facts and laws. In May 2007, the following information was printed in the Adoptive Families issue:
Transracial adoption still not universally accepted
A new national analysis of foster and adoptive placements found that African-American children would benefit from more stringent enforcement of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 (MEPA) and other anti-discrimination laws designed to prevent children from lingering in foster care while awaiting same-race placement. The study showed that children adopted transracially are, on average, a year younger at placement than children in same-race placements, and that African-American children spend more time as legal orphans than children of any other race. MEPA prohibits racial matching as the primary placement criterion, but states continue to violate this law (Ohio was fined in 2003; South Carolina in 2005).
From a Parent
I came across this blog (http://beingmamadaily.blogspot.com/*)
the other day and it is really great. It is written by moms of black children, telling their stories of racism experienced and ways they fight it. We can all learn a little about how to teach our sons and daugthers to survive.
One is a real shocker - how can a teacher be so insensitive?? but our kids will encounter these people on a regular basis no matter where we live or how we try to protect them...
I also regularly read:
http://www.antiracistparent.com/*
http://www.racialicious.com/*
--Patricia
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