This study examined the cultural competence of transracial adoptive parents at different stages of adoption. The researcher surveyed 60 transracial adoptive parents and measured their cultural competence in three areas: multicultural planning, racial awareness, and survival skills. Analysis of variance tests found significant differences in cultural competence between parents who had adopted 1-2 years compared to those who adopted over 5 years, especially in multicultural planning. The results suggest that as transracial adoptive parents progress through the years of adoption, they gain more racial and cultural experiences which increase their cultural competence over time.

1. The Evolution of Cultural Competence in Transracial Adoptive Parents by Latoria S. Fleming, PhD

19. Results by Cultural Competence Area Cultural Competence Area Stage of Adoption Mean Score Multicultural Planning Less than 1 to 2 years 68.3 3 to 5 years 72.5 More than 5 years 75.75 Racial Awareness Less than 1 to 2 years 52.45 3 to 5 years 55.90 More than 5 years 58.30 Survival Skills Less than 1 to 2 years 52.85 3 to 5 years 57.10 More than 5 years 60.05