Transracial Adoption

Transracial Adoption
"It's about my entire life, it's not just about my childhood. I want to know that I'm going to have
someone to walk me down the aisle. That I'm going to have grandparents for my children." –Mary (a
girl in foster care). Adoption is a short term solution, and causes problems that has a lasting effect on
a child. Adoption is the act of taking in a child to raise as your own. On paper, it sounds likes like an
act of kindness, but adoption has many issues tied to it. Due to the many problems of adoption, such
as the environment in a foster home, the people that lives in the home, mental instability, the process
of adoption, same–sex parents, and transracial adoption, a child that experienced it could have an
impact their life negatively, as ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The unhealthy environment could cause life threatening diseases. The children could influence their
behavior or bully them. The mental illness causes them to act differently and be more troublesome.
The officials can mess up the process and place the child in a worse home. Having parents with the
same gender can throw off the needs of a child and creates a less natural family. Having parents with
different ethnicity can dilute the child's culture and cause them to be isolated. Adoption is a concept
that can help many children, but it also causes many issues and can cause an uncertain future for the
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Transracial Adoption In Canada
Canada is widely known as the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism; being supportive
of all ethnicities and races, while encouraging a peaceful community and promoting cultural
education. However, there is a major gap in the country's history that hides one of the most
controversial issues to date – the cultural genocide of the Indigenous community. Public information
regarding this topic remains limited and insufficient, providing little insight on the discrimination
and inequality the Indigenous community has faced, and continues to face today. Particularly, the
issue lies in the failure to provide information on Child Welfare and its related causes, including the
residential school act, the sixties scoop, transracial adoption ... Show more content on
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Of those, fewer than half – about 44 per cent – lived with at least one foster parent who identified as
Indigenous. Provinces with a higher proportion of Indigenous children also had more Indigenous
kids in foster care (Yukselir, 2016). The remainder lived in a situation where they were a transracial
adoptee, meaning they were placed in a household with parents that had a different racial or ethnic
group from their own. While transracial adoption usually concludes with positive adjustment
outcomes for adoptees, for Aboriginal transracial adoptees, adoption tends to result in consistently
negative outcomes. Many transracial adoptees of the Sixties Scoop era where Aboriginal children
were apprehended in disproportionate numbers throughout Canada and adopted into non–Aboriginal
homes in Canada, United States and overseas, now adults, have contacted Aboriginal child welfare
agencies as they aim to reunite with their birth families. A large proportion of former adoptees' first
point of contact is through addiction services and street agencies (Gilchrist, 1995). Many adoptees
are facing identity issues because of being socialized and acculturated into a middle–class 'white'
society (Hall, 1995; Gilchrist, 1995; Richard, 1998). For transracial adoptees, identity issues are
exacerbated by the factors that arise in seeking out birth family and cultural ties (Fournier & Crey,
1997; Hall, 2003). According to Bagley (1993), the core of the issue for adoptees is being
"reacquainted with the most marginalized and oppressed group within Canadian society". This, he
argues, aggravates the already problematic identity issues that Aboriginal adoptees experience.
Finally, transracial adoption causes poor socio–economic factors, as well as psychological,
emotional, and mental factors that confront the adoptee as an adult, as well as facing racism and
racial identity issues. Transracial aboriginal research has yet to

Arguments Against Transracial Adoption
Henry Ford once said, " At that point, a child is eligible for adoption and can be placed with a family
that can love the child and raise the child." What this quote says is that a child should be placed with
any family that can love it and raise it. If race was not so significant, a higher percentage people
would be eligible to adopt, meaning that more kids will be adopted. The happiness of the children
should also be of greater importance that the race of the future parents. Despite this, there will
always be people who are against transracial adoption. A few of them say that a child with adoptive
parents who are of a different race are more likely to suffer an identity crisis. Overall, transracial, or
interracial, adoption is better for children in orphanages or the foster care system. ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
If race was taken into stronger consideration, the chances of getting adopted,would, for some, drop
drastically, while, for others would increase. Another important point is that if transracial adoption
more encouraged, the percentages of race adopted would even out. Today's society has decided that
it is more appropriate to raise a child of the same race and, consequently, only 20% of adoptees are
African American, while 41% are Caucasian. Often times, a child will go for two to three years
waiting to be adopted, if at all, and they are not always adopted by people of the same race. This is
because interracial adoptions are becoming slightly more common, but there are still people who
don't think people are fit to raise children of another race. Even though adoptions wouldn't stop all
together, they would very likely decrease significantly if transracial adoptions

Ethical Issues In Transracial Adoption
Children adoption practice has been there since time immemorial. In the adoption process, children
move from their family, culture, and sometimes racial backgrounds to the new environment of the
adopting parents. Ethical decision making is essential in the post–placement support for the
birthparent to educate them on the life–long issues they must face related to offering their children
for adoption. The adoptive family must also get helped to make ethical decisions regarding the
choice of agency to involve in the adoption process, the life–long effects of adopting a child and the
type of adoption to employ. The whole adoption process must also be done by the law of the land to
make sure that the privileges and rights of all the parties involved ... Show more content on
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A social worker should refer to the ethics model of decision making that guides one into making
ethically acceptable decisions effectively (Congress, 1999). The ethics model involves the following
five steps. Firstly, one should examine the personal, societal, agency, client and professional values
affected by the decision. Secondly, one should think about what ethical standards of the National
Association of Social Workers code of ethics apply as well as relevant laws and case decisions.
Thirdly, hypothesize about possible consequences of different decisions. Fourthly, identify who will
benefit and who gets harmed given social works commitment to the most vulnerable. Lastly, consult
with supervisor and colleagues about the most ethical

Transracial Adoption Research Paper
Transracial Adoption: Beneficial or Detrimental? Many children in the United States and throughout
the world have been orphaned, put under foster care, or had something similar happen that results in
the child being alone, in a sense. These children will often be entered into an adoption agency. All
the children on the records of these adoption agencies have something in common no matter what
race or religion they are a part of; they all need a home and a family. Through adoption any person
of any race can provide a child of a different ethnicity or of the same ethnicity as himself or herself,
so long as he or she qualifies; however, the ethnicity of a child in comparison to his or her adoptive
parent or parents may affect the ability of the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However, transracial adoption provides a home and family to the children in need of such things,
and if his or her family members are willing to work hard, transracial adoption can be a beneficial
option for a child in need. It is difficult to raise a child of a minority race when one does not have
the right resources, and many people are against transracial adoption, each for his or her own
reasons and beliefs. Adopting a child of a different race can also be very rewarding, opening up
opportunities for the family of the adopted child to learn more about race and the cultural
background of their new family member. No matter what side one takes, it is difficult to deny that
adoption is a way by which children with nothing can have a home and loving

The Transracial Adoption and the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act
Goals of the policy
My policy I choose from, ("Administrative Policies", n.d) the Multi–Ethnic Placement Act as
Amended by the Inter–Ethnic Adoption Provision of 1996. It has to do with transracial adoption.
The purpose of this policy is associated with the Department of Children's Services, it strives to
push the best enthusiasm of all children set in cultivate mind by avoiding segregation in the position
of children on the support of race, color or national source. This objective might be met by selecting
and distinguishing asset families that can best help these kids ("Administrative Policies", n.d).
Social Work Speaks According to Anastas & Clark, (2012), 58% of the children in foster care are
children of color other than white. Reading this section I came across a lot of laws and acts that led
up to the Multi–Ethnic Placement Act. One was called the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act of 1974. Years later the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 came about. This act was made to "
establish standards to ensure reasonable efforts prior to the removal of Indian children from their
families whereas the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 prioritized family
preservation and permanency as major goals of child welfare" (Anastas & Clark, 2012, p.148). The
Multi–Ethnic Placement Act policy and the purpose of it is the same in the Social Work Speaks
book. Anastas & Clark, (2012) stated that it was to prevent people from discriminating against race,
color and

Kim Phagan-Hansel's Argument Against Transcultural Adoption
Introduction
When adopting a child, you can adopt from many different backgrounds and countries. Historically,
it is uncommon for white families to adopt a child of colour or a child of a different culture than
their own. Until recently, it was uncommon for white people to even be friends with people of
colour. Transcultural adoption has many issues as well as well as many benefits. The goal of my
research is to explain all the effects, both good and bad, and evaluate whether it's ethical to adopt
transcultural.
Arguments against transracial adoption and the ways we can fix it
According to "Psychological Issues Faced By Adopted Children And Adults" by Allan Schwartz,
there are many challenges a child will face when not exposed to their culture. ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
This source helps to understand how there are things out there to bring children closer to their
culture. The American Adoption Agency has an article named Transracial Adoption in America. It
gives examples of each type of transracial adoption and the way that they should handle adoption
from this culture. It also states tips given by experts in order to help the parents understand the
differences in culture. "Families considering transracial adoption should also note that adopting a
child of a different race also comes with its own set of unique considerations. They should be
prepared to teach their adopted child about their ethnicity and should foster a home environment that
is open and loving of all races and cultures. As the child grows, adoptive parents should be prepared
to answer questions their child may have about their own ethnic and cultural identity" (American
Adoption,

Disadvantages Of Transracial Adoption
Kieryn Eagy on November 24th, the last day of the Oregon Students of Color Conference closed the
conference with a caucus. Several college students, as well as myself, attended this caucus because
we all so strongly identify as being a transracial adoptee. Transracial adoption is the adoption of a
child that is of a different race and/or ethnicity of one's own. Many prominent figures have
transracially adopted children; some of these are Sandra Bullock, Mariska Hargitay, Jillian
Michaels, and Angelina Jolie. While the placement of children is important, there are also many
downsides to transracial adoption. Children who are raised by colorblind parents have their overall
happiness and well being negatively affected because they experience racial identity crises, public
scrutiny, and unrealistic expectations of the world. Transracial adoption should be highly
discouraged unless the parents are culturally cognizant. Prior to World War II transracial adoption
was not widely accepted; "agencies heavily promoted the idea of "race–matching" early in the
history of adoption ("What You Need to Know About the History of Adoption")." To clarify, early
history of adoption means the 18th and 19th century. During and post World War II transracial
adoption became widely accepted and popularized. For instance, the first recorded transracial
adoption occurred in 1947, when two white parents adopted a black baby boy (Herman). However,
transracial adoption did not occur on a wide

Adoption : Should Cross Cultural Adoptions Be Sanctioned...
Adoption – should cross–cultural adoptions be sanctioned or not? (Page 104).
I do not believe that cross–cultural adoption should be sanctioned, but it is an extremely
controversial issue. I believe adoption agencies throughout the world and their governments must
work together to create rigorous policy to ensure the safety of the children, and set a quality standard
for parents looking to adopt. Sanctions are to impose a penalty, or threaten with a penalty for
disobeying rules (Dictonary.com, 2017). I believe imposing sanctions on those looking to adopt
would deter them from adopting at all, and that child may never be placed in a home. I believe that
if cross–cultural adoption is an option for couples, then the culture heritage of that ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
Cross–cultural adoption is positive and serves children's best interest especially when faced with
state sponsored care (Policy Statement, 2008). There is research indicating that those raised within
state sponsored care are more likely to have negative self–image, behavior, emotional, and physical
maladaptation (Policy Statement, 2008). Between the ages of 3 and 7 children are more likely to
notice emotional responses associated with racial groups and evaluate what that means to them
(Baxter, 2017, para. 5). If there is no dialogue regarding race, children will be confused on how to
express their feelings towards race or they may be too preoccupied with racial categories and
develop anxiety (Baxter, 2017, para. 5).
Cross–culture adoption, and adoption in general, is an alternate way for couples to have a child. It
helps that child find a loving home, and the adoptees in many cases treat their adoptive parents as
their real parents. It is a responsibility of the parents to be aware of their own privilege and
understanding the concepts of race. By stifling their child's questions about their own racial identity
this can lead to an increase in depressive symptoms within that child (Lee, Grotevant, Hellerstedt,
Gunnar, 2006). By promoting Enculturation as "[A] practice of promoting ethnicity–specific
experiences that encourage the development of a positive ethnic identity" (Lee, et. Al., 2006,

Baby Girl versus Adoptive Couple Essay
There was a court case, Baby Girl v. Adoptive Couple, in which a child who was partially Cherokee
Indian, because of her father, and Hispanic, because of her mother. The adoption of Baby Girl was a
difficult one due to the fact that she has an ancestry of Cherokee Indian. Therefore, under the Indian
Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the adoption of Baby Girl seemed impossible because Biological Father
had the right to have custody of his child, Baby Girl, if he chose to. So, the court greatly sees that by
giving Baby Girl back to Biological Father would be in the child's best interest under the ICWA,
because there is the assumption that if she is with her Biological Father and her culture, she will not
suffer any type of emotional distress. For ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Therefore, from a very young age, Baby Girl might have questioned why she did not share the same
physical features as her parents; thus, causing her to have a failed ethnic identity. In a 1987 study,
conducted by Simon and Alstein, an Indian adopted child stated, "It bothers me that I'm Indian.
People don't look up to Indians. The whites always fought the Indians and the Indians got beat. We
aren't looked up to. There is nothing special about being Indian" (Sindelar, 2004). This clearly
indicates that the native adoptee feels inferior to his White adoptive parents; therefore, the child was
obviously unable to fully integrate into the White culture without feeling inferior. In the case of
Baby Girl v. Adoptive Couple, she may have been at risk to feeling the same inferiority due to the
extreme exposure of the White culture and the lack of exposure and pride towards her own ethnicity;
therefore, causing possibilities of distress and discomfort in her own skin. Sindelar suggests that
there is a phenomenon known as the Split–Feather Syndrome, in which "social, psychological, and
emotional disabilities – among expatriated Indian people, i.e., those who were placed and raised in
non–Indian homes" (2004). The Split–Feather Syndrome may be due to the extremities in culture
difference between Indian and other cultures. For instance, the ideologies of child–rearing, family
bonding,

In "Races isn't what defines me: exploring identities choices in transracial, biracial, and monoracial
families", Butler–Sweet, Colleen explains that there has been a controversial issue in the United
Sates for more than half a century, among black children raised in white homes. The author's main
claim is that transracial adoption will miscarry a black identity. Comparing experiences among
monoracial, biracial, and transracial families on black identity.
Many critics of Transracial adoption debate that white families are not capable to benefit black
children develop a black identity role. Because white people do not know the feeling of having been
discriminated or criticized among black children. So the author feels that white people cannot ...
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For example, Shreya, a middle–class biracial woman. Admits that race is important to how others
see her, but not that important. She comes from 2 parents who were different races. Her dad was
black and mom white. When she was younger she didn't fit into neither black nor white. People
often even mistaken her as Hispanic. She realized race is how people identified her, but she didn't let
that interfere in the way she saw herself as a feminist first than an activist. She didn't see race as
important. All the three groups down categorized race on their

The Effects Of Children Adopted From Dissimilar Hereditary...
Many families have no descendant of their own due to certain reasons and some desire to give some
children a good opportunity. There are many families adopting different race children who have
cross–culture living and in some cases problems are appearing which affects their progress from
childhood to adolescence. Starting with the increase in ethnic adoption, there will discussed possible
causes and effects of the issue. The article observed that children adopted from dissimilar hereditary
family may have problems for instance social, culture and language that affect their lives because
they are different from other children in society. Although the effect on children could be a critical
event in their childhood, those problems can be taken care of by better fostering from adoptive
families. Then we shall consider the reason why childhood of these kids is different from native
children, before explaining the connection between ethnic adoption and problems that might happen
when they grow up. Finally, this essay will summarise causes of this issue and consider some effects
as to how these problems could happen in short and long terms.
In recent years, the adoption rate has gradually increased. According to The AFCARS (Adoption
and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System), statistics reported that from September 2008 to
2012 number of children in foster care quietly decreased (The AFCARS, 2012), which showed
many families adopting slightly increased every year. Including

Challenges Of Interracial Adoption
"Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet and
hopefully we shall overcome." Rosa Parks. Interracial adoption in the United States may be
challenging for children of different race/ethnicity background, on the other hand it can give
children the proper care, and support they need, open up many opportunities. Mixed adoptions are
important because people need to recognize that everyone is different and might not all are single
race families. To allow children to understand that there is diversity in the world and may help them
overcome it by doing the right thing for example not being a follower but a leader. Is it healthy to
adopt children of a different race? The challenges of what interracial children might face could be
harder in spite of being in foster care. Adopting children of different race is not something that
should be harmful. Interracial adoption in the U.S. gives children guidance, care, and support from
people who love them, family. Yet Interracial adoption can be challenging but, the adopted child has
someone there to protect them and their needs.
People need to accept the fact that interracial adoption is an increasing proposition in today's society.
Whether or not that a person taught much about diversity, it is equally important that a person know
color does not matter. Of 11,000 adoptions in Michigan from 2001–05, the last year available, on 78
were blacks adopting whites. During that time, 677 whites

Essay on International Adoption
The birth of a girl has never been a cause for celebration in China, and stories of
peasant farmers drowning newborn girls in buckets of water have been commonplace for
centuries. Now, however, as a direct result of the one–child policy, the number of baby
girls being abandoned, aborted, or dumped on orphanage steps is unprecedented. Adopting
Internationally
Adoption is procedure by which people legally assume the role of parents for a person who is not
their biological child. Adopted children become full members of their adopted family and have the
same legal status as biological children.
Although
the majority of people who adopt are married couples, many single people also adopt.
Many people seek to adopt ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In a few, well–publicized cases in the United States, biological parents have attempted to reclaim
their child years after it was adopted, adding to the worries of prospective parents (Adoption
Services, Internet).
Three methods can be used for international adoption. The majority of prospective adoptive parents
use an adoption agency. Others consult adoption facilitators in Canada. Some prospective parents
choose to establish direct communication with contacts in a particular country. Many provincial–
licensed adoption agencies place children from other countries. These agencies are familiar with the
adoption laws of foreign countries and usually maintain contacts in countries where many children
are waiting to be adopted. Agencies send information about the adoptive parents directly to their
contacts, who then locate an appropriate child for the adoptive parents (Adoption, CD–ROM).
Facilitators in the United States also help prospective parents locate suitable children abroad.
Facilitators usually have foreign contacts who help resolve legal issues pertaining to adoption in a
particular country. In some cases, facilitators travel
2 to other countries and directly assist in adoptions. Prospective parents can also work with
facilitators in another country or deal directly with foreign institutions, such as orphanages
(Adoption, CD–ROM).
People who wish to adopt abroad must follow the procedures

Arguments Against Interracial Adoption
A child who is adopted is always a good thing, yet there are those who wish to return to the days of
racial segregation when it comes to adoption. The "National Association of Black Social Workers, in
1972, likened whites adopting black children to 'cultural genocide'" (Clemetson & Nixon, 2006, para
16), which is a completely racist view of how White people would poorly raise a Black child based
solely on skin color. Their stance on interracial adoptions has changed somewhat in the last 40
years. The wording has been softened to a more politically palatable and sustainable "transracial
adoption of an African American child should only be considered after documented evidence of
unsuccessful same race placements has been reviewed and supported ... Show more content on
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In multiple studies such as Grow and Shapiro, 77% of the interracial adoptions had the same out
comes as same race adoptions. In a study by McRoy and Zurcher in 1983 "strong bonds between the
parents and adoptees developed in both groups [same race and interracial adoptions]...authors found
no differences in self–concept and self–esteem [between the two groups]" (Silverman, 1993, p. 109).
Silverman cites multiple other studies that show a similar trend that adopted children who grow up
in interracial families do not suffer from psychological, emotional, or other adjustment problems
more so than other types of adopted children. The results of the studies clearly refute any claim from
the opposition that Black children raised in White homes should be a last resort because they will
come out misadjusted and poorly

Persuasive Essay On Transracial Adoption
Adoption is the social, emotional, and legal process in which children who will not be raised by
their birth parents become full and permanent legal members of another family while maintaining
genetic and sometimes psychological connections to their birth family (www.childwelfare.gov).
Transracial adoption, or adopting outside one's own race, has become prevalent in today's society,
especially among celebrities. For example, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, are White celebrities,who
have adopted multiple children of varied races including African and Asian. This trend of transracial
adoption has sparked global debates as to whether or not celebrities and other individuals should
adopt children that are not of the same race. Many people ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), for example, argue that transracial
adoption is, in essence, a form of race and cultural genocide, claiming that children will not develop
proper skills to survive in a society that is racially biased specifically against them. As a result the
NABSW passed a resolution in 1972 calling for an end to the transracial adoption of African
American children (Lee 2015). The NABSW feels that Black children should be raised by Black
parents and express concern that Black children raised in White homes would fail to develop
effective coping strategies to deal with racism and discrimination and would experience subsequent
identity conflicts as they grew older. The idea is that the very basis of the upbringing does not
convey the true thoughts, ideas and behaviors of the "real world". In addition to the argument
against transracial adoption, the NABSW also challenges traditional adoption practices and raises
questions about institutionalized racism within the adoption profession. They question the criteria
and the basic existing evaluation criteria for prospective adoptive couples that routinely prevented
Black families from qualifying, and stated that even though prospective Black adoptive families did
exist, adoption agencies were not only failing to recruit them and were, in fact, denying them in
favor of white

The World Of Reproductive Justice And Politics Essay
Within the world of reproductive justice and politics, there is no such thing as "choice". Every
"choice" is intimately tied to a person's class, gender, sexual orientation, and even geographical
location. Choice is not something made by a person, but by the society they exist in. In mainstream
America, having a baby naturally is an expectation while adoption is an unwanted backup choice.
For these middle to upper class, predominantly white families, adoption means plan b, never the
original and thus the children of this culture never truly feel one within their family, rather they are
considered odd or not real. And that's just when adopting from America. When transracial and/or
transnational adoption becomes a part of the conversation the slope becomes slipperier as the choice
becomes based in white savior and/or Good Samaritan rhetoric (Patton–Imani). These children are
often "othered" by their families, their town, or their society as a whole. Or they are forced to
assimilate with color and ethnicity blindness as an example of the perfect adoptee/immigrant. Their
choice to adopt from these foreign countries is centered by their various privileged identities while
excluding the children themselves due to their disadvantages. Take for example the personal
documentary, First Person Plural, by Deann Borshay, in which an adult Korean adoptee tells her life
story through her adoptive family, fictionalized family, and birth/biological family. Through her
interviews with her

Pros And Cons Of Interracial Adoption
Interracial Adoption
Since the 1960's, interracial adoption has been on the rise, although it was looked down upon until
the 1990's. Many kids sit and wait to be adopted for most of their childhood. So, instead of adoption
agencies waiting to find what they call "the perfect match," which is referring to a family who is of
the same race as the child they intend to adopt, they started allowing interracial adoption as a part of
hoping every child finds a family that loves them beyond the color of their skin. Proponents argue
that children grow up to not care that they aren't the same color as their parents, their kids are more
open to learning about their culture, and that kids of different races, other than caucasian, are more
available in foster homes and overseas. While cons argue that family acceptance is a problem, the
kid might feel uncomfortable about being a different race than their parents, and that parents might
not like to stand out.
Kids that are caucasian are in higher demand than those of African, Hispanic, and Asian origins. So
it easier to find kids of minority races for a loving home. The United States of Department of Health
and Health Services claims that 40% ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
"On the positive side, you do not need to explain where the child came from or wonder whether you
should tell your family that you are pregnant." Those who see it as a negative aspect believe you
will stand out more than other families when they engage in public activities. Like what was said
earlier the world we live in isn't not color blind. Most of those who are sensitive to standing out, feel
that they are being judged or frowned upon for adopting out of their race. Once one takes on that
responsibility of adopting a child of a different race, they should realize and understand that they
will come across those with different views. That is just something you have to shake

Adoptiontion Be Prioritized Over Interracial Adoption?
Neil Doan
Professor Brewer
English 100
Research paper
20 November 2017
Adoption Is the Answer
It is important to acknowledge that we are all born to love and be loved. This makes no exception
for those children who have to live in foster care because their family abandoned them. Despite the
fact that they come from different background, ethnicity and race, just like us all, they too deserve to
be loved. Does it matter if a black child got adopted by a white family or vice versa when everything
they give is love and treat that child as their own? Should interracial adoption be prioritized over
transracial adoption? Should transracial adoption be prioritized over interracial adoption? Should it
be a concern when it comes to adoption? As some people might know, adoption rate in America has
increased substantially over the years. Numbers of domestic adoption, transracial adoption,
international adoption. Even though adopting a child is a long process with lots of screenings, many
parents begin to indicate the needs of the children who need a home and family and take action.
Adoption provides the children a permanent home, give them love, help them to reduce their
traumatic stress and develop many essential relationships. There are countless reasons why someone
wants to become an adoptive parent. For many couples, adoption is their only option for a chance to
become parents. They could do a favor and help out family members by adopting their child who
isn't have the ability

Transracial Adoption Paper
In this study, researchers conducted a series of interviews to explore the impact of transracial
adoption (Barn, R., 2013). Two main aspects of ethnicity were cultural competence and racial
competence. Cultural competence is the basic understanding of cultural values, along with identity
found in one specific group. Racial competence is the development of ways to react to prejudices or
any other form of discrimination. They specifically examined whether transracial children lose a
sense of cultural and racial competence when adopted by white parents. The participants were 15
white, mothers, who had adopted either internationally or domestically. International adoptions were
from China, Korea, and South America. Domestically adopted children ... Show more content on
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After the interview the mothers were categorized into three separate sections based on their
parenting styles. These categories being: Humanitarianism, Ambivalence(ism), and
Transculturalism. Humanitarianism was found to be mothers who didn't identify with their child's
race at all and acted as though they were of the same ethnic background, that being white American.
Ambivalent mothers generally were undecided on whether to raise their kids in the white
community or to incorporate the child's own ethnic background. These mother tended to go back
and forth between parenting styles and even felt trapped in between the two cultures. Another
finding of ambivalence(ism) included a more evident preference among skin tone and race.
Transculturalism meant that mothers acknowledged the child's race often while raising them and
tried to submerge the child in that culture by placing people of the same ethnicity in their lives. For
example, moving to neighborhoods where the adopted child's race is prominent or having a teacher,
babysitter, or doctor of the same race for the child to look up

Essay on Transracial Adoption
In 1991 a study was conducted using 916 respondents to find attitudes towards transracial adoption.
. 71% of those surveyed believed that race should not be a factor in who should be allowed to adopt
a child. However, those respondents in a highest age category, such as 64 or older, were 63% less
likely to approve of transracial adoption, compared to the younger age category. African–American
women were 84% less likely than African–American men to approve of transracial adoption.
Caucasian men were 72% less likely to approve. The importance and practice to considering
transracial adoptions, and having transracial populations is discussed. Areas of consideration areas
follows: Background, History and ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Adopting a child of another race is of special interest, and should be carefully considered. Many
questions regarding the background of minority children need to be answered before following
through with an interracial adoption. For instance, Should minority–group children be adopted by
parents of another race? Can the parents provide the racial and ethnic identity that children need to
cope with racism? Are cultural experiences and racial identity important to the well being of a child?
Are these children better off than they would be if left to live in the foster–care or institutional
system? Does placing the child with the same race discriminate against the child? Will these
children experience any long term disadvantages if adopted outside their race. As the study shows,
many questions should be answered before considering a transracial adoption.
In 1972 the National Association of the Black Social Workers opposed adoptions of another race.
This issue expanded efforts among adoption practitioners and policymakers to bring about more
same–race adoptions. Then, in the 1980s, efforts increased by transracial adoption advocates to
remove race and ethnicity as considerations. Results of experiential studies have varied and are
often surrounded by limitations.
Previous studies show that people in the United States are divided evenly between those who
approve of transracial adoptions and those who do not. These findings have been

To the thousands of children in foster care, adoption means being part of a family. Adoption
signifies a chance to be loved, wanted, and cared for properly. Every year thousands of children
enter the foster care system. In the year 2010 alone, 245,375 children entered foster care, of that
number over 61,000 were black. An astounding 30,812 black children were waiting for adoption in
2010 (AFCARS). With so many children needing homes, it would seem their adoption would be
open to any and all loving families, yet this is not the necessarily the case. Transracial adoption,
which traditionally alludes to black children placed with white families, is riddled with difficulties.
While transracial adoption can be a successful solution, many ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Regardless of laws, some groups still openly oppose the practice of transracial adoption. The
National Black Association of Black Social Workers have gone as far as to call transracial adoption
"cultural genocide" as stated in their 1972 announcement (McManus). In that statement the
president of the NABSW publically declared the following: We are opposed to transracial adoption
as a solution to permanent placement for black children. We have an ethic, moral, and professional
obligation to oppose transracial adoption. We are therefore legally justified in our efforts to protect
the rights of black children, black families, and the black community. It is a blatant form of racial
and cultural genocide. (McManus) In 1994 the NABSW restated their position with the statement,
"Transracial adoption should only be considered after documented evidence of unsuccessful same–
race placements have been reviewed and supported by appropriate representatives of the African–
American community (McManus). The intense opposition of transracial adoption is evidenced in a
multitude of different ways. During the initial phase of the adoption process prospective parents are
discouraged from proceeding by the intake worker. They are constantly bombarded with the alleged
difficulties involved in transracial adoptions and questioned about their motives for adopting
(Adoption 85). Parents are accused of

Family Vs Transracial Adoption
Even though I may look different from my family , I'm still grateful to be included in a loving and
caring one.
How is being adopted different? It can be confusing for the adopted kid and to others especially if
you are a transracial adoptee, because they spot the difference and then want answers.
Coming to the United States from Taiwan at the age of 3 was a long and difficult process. At times I
would wonder when and if I was ever going to be adopted or assigned to a family. I recall that I used
to scream, cry, and throw tantrums as I grew up. Adjusting from a small crowded orphanage to a big
comfortable home with my new permanent family was easy. However, becoming accustomed to a
new language and culture without peers next to me who understood ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
It may take six months or more from the time you apply before a child is placed in your home; it
will take at least three to twelve months after that before the adoption may be finalized in court."
Beside the length there are other procedures in finalizing the actual adoption. First, you would
decide on an adoption agency. After choosing an agency, you must submit an application. Including,
background information, family composition, and number of people living in your home. Then the
family would have to go to a series of meetings, interviews and training sessions to see if they are
ready to adopt or capable to raise their new adoptive child. Once the agency has approved their
homestudy, they then work together to place a child. After the family has choosen a child they'd like
to raise, it's time to visit the child in person. The visit can last for a period of weeks or months
before the child moves in with the adoptive family. After three months, if the placement is deemed
successful, the agency will approve the adoption. Finally, The Office of Children and Family
services states, " an adoption generally is completed with the assistance of an attorney retained by
the adoptive parents the attorney files a petition in court. When all the agency papers have been
submitted, the adoption is finalized in court. The family agrees to

Interracial Adoption Research Paper
Love is Achromatic Have you ever felt unwanted? Well, many children who wait in foster care often
times feel this way. Transracial adoption can help them find a loving home. I believe that race
should not be a factor in adoption. My first reason is that children from interracial adoptions can
keep their heritage by incorporating it in their everyday life. When children are adopted by parents
of another race, it can be difficult to stay true to their heritage. If they tie it into their everyday life,
they can learn about their family roots and how their life may have been. One way heritage could be
involved is by learning their native language. My second reason is with race being in consideration,
kids generally have to wait longer to be

The Concept Of The American Family
Ashley Guy
Professor Edwards
EN 101–2
4 December 2014
Introduction:
Over the years, the concept of the American family has undergone a radical transformation. The
change in the concept of the American family is now reflecting society's acceptance that just 50
years ago was impossible to even imagine. We are now accepting the unification of blacks and
whites and are coming to terms with homosexuality and the unification of a more diverse family.
Among all divisions of society, there is a greater acceptance of the differences in families from
single parenting to blended families to same sex parenting of children, but there is still some
controversy in racism that can cause problems in the adoption process.
A majority of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Adoption offers new opportunities for children who have been left behind by their biological parents
to grow up with a more fitting family that will love and accept them for who they are.
Transracial Adoption:
Much like the apples, adoption ranges greatly. There are now five types of adoptions: Agency,
Independent, Step Parent, International, and Open Agency Adoption. An international adoption or
transracial adoption is defined as, "the joining of racially different parents and children together in
adoptive families" (Silverman 104). Among the five types of adoptions, international adoption is
considered a controversial topic.
Good or Bad?
I personally find adoption to be a positive issue that is turned into a negative issue due to the
comments toward diversity. I also believe that in the future, people will be more accepting towards a
more diverse family whether it is towards their sexuality, age, and/ or appearance. Slowly, but
surely, we are becoming more open to different races coming together, and with that said, we are
adjusting to social circumstances. Blacks and whites are now going to the same schools, and even
getting married. I feel as though we are more open and accepting to different things, so why not
have the same marriage, or adopt children of different races? I feel as though families in the future
are going to shy away from the more "traditional" family and become a lot more diverse and unique
through

Transracial Adoptions Essay
Thesis: Transracial adoptees family situation affects many aspects of the adopted child's life. Do
these children have identity formation difficulties during adolescence and are there any significant
differences between adoptees and birth children? Transracial Adoptees and Families I. Attachment
Issues A. Trust versus Mistrust B. Age of child at time of placement C. Need of Attachment II.
Development Issues A. Identity versus Role Confusion B. Age of child at time of placement C. Need
of Attachment III. Identity Issues A. Forming an Identity B. Biological Birth Information C. Racial
Identification D. Adoptive Parent Information Being introduced into a new family is only one of
many obstacles that lies ahead for ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The adoptive family may ignore or make little effort to incorporate into the family the cultural
heritage of the adopted child (Adamec,136). This decision to leave the culture behind, outside the
family, does not suggest that the child is neither accepted nor loved or cherished as their own.
However, when the adoptive family also adopts and embraces the cultural identity of the child's
birth culture, it enriches not only the adopted child but also the entire family and extended family as
well. Another factor is attachment is the child's age when they were adopted. The older the child
when adopted, the risk of social maladjustment was found to be higher (Simon, 188). Most children
when adopted at younger ages have a better chance to adjustment normally, than children adopted
over the age of ten. An infant learns to trust quicker, than a ten–year old child does, but all of this
depends on each case. Developmental theorist Eric Erikson, discusses trust issues in his theory of
development. Erikson's first stage of development is "Trust versus Mistrust", which states "if needs
are dependably met, infants develop a sense of basic trust" (Myers, 149). For an adopted child,
placing the child early in a key ingredient to successful attachment of child to parent and vice versa
(Cox, 1). Such an attachment, which is strong among the majority of families throughout the paper,
is an important

International Adoption Is A Growing Trend
Imagine being a child living in a third world country and only being fed two meals a day that barely
provide the nutrients needed to help one grow, along with receiving very little affection. Some
people argue that international adoption, provides a key role in improving a child 's life. Although
others believe international adoption creates many complications and should not be an option.
Therefore, many believe adopting a child from an outside country or culture can be quite rewarding
for both the parents and the child; however, international adoption deals with many concerns as well
as serious challenges.
International adoption is a growing trend around the world. It is an alternate way to create or expand
a family; it is a lifetime decision and should be made very cautiously. After World War II (1939–
1945) international adoption started to become popular in the United States. Americans started to
adopt children who were either abandoned or had been orphaned during the war. Although the trend
started to accelerate after the Korean War (1950–1953), when the South Korean government
established an adoption program ("International Adoption"). Adoption programs tend to thrive after
a war or a natural disaster has taken place. Many children that are abandoned or had been orphaned
are either left behind to die or are brought to institutions. Hundreds of children live in institutions,
although about 200,000 South Korean children are estimated to have been adopted by families in

Interracial Adoption Research Paper
Nadia Heckman
Mrs. Baldwin
ENG 102
21 February 2017
Interracial Adopting
Say one were looking to adopt a child, and they had the choice to adopt interracially, would they go
for it or deny it ? Many people may say "a child is a child it doesn't matter the race." , just to make it
sound good, but in reality most people would probably decline that offer. Adoption provides a child
in need with a loving family. Interracial adoption has became one of the biggest disputes that people
who qualify to adopt face today. Interracial adoption is also known as transracial adoption, it is
when a child is adopted by a family with a different cultural or racial background. Only a selected
few have stepped out of their comfort zones and have chosen to adopt ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
This was seen as a new way to create the sense that the adoptive parents conceived these children.
The similarities, was said to make adoptive families more stable and less likely to be stigmatized as
different from the norm (Interracial adoption). Due to high adoption rates of people only adopting
the children from their own races, there is a much larger amount of children when choosing to adopt
from different races. Majority of the children that get adopted are usually of the white backgrounds.
What that means is there are many more childrens of the different races that are available and need
to be adopted. People waiting to adopt "non–minority" children are often put on waitlists that can
take

Transracial Adoption Research
Transracial adoption is known as the act of placing a child of one race or culture with adoptive
parents of a different race or culture. This practice is also known as interracial adoption. Typically,
this involves White parents adopting children of color. This practice has taken place domestically in
the United States since the 1950s, due to a decrease in the amount of White children available for
adoption. Around the same time international adoptions also became more common, due to the
magnitude of children left as orphans after World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Recent statistics demonstrate the rise in domestic and international transracial adoption, with
domestic transracial adoption increasing from around 1,000 in ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
This controversy gained national attention in 1972 when the National Association of Black Social
Workers (NABSW) boldly asserted that the practice of placing African American children in White
adoptive homes was not in the best interest of the children (Fenster, 2004). The NABSW's stance
was based on their core beliefs that "only black families could provide the skills needed to survive in
a racist society and Black children in White homes would be isolated from African American
cultural values, ultimately affecting their identity development" (Lee, Crolley–Simic, & Vonk, 2013,
p. 122). This stance was held throughout the next three decades and race matching was commonly
used in the adoption process, in attempts to place African American children in Black adoptive
homes rather than in White adoptive homes, as transracial adoption was seen as a last resort.
Although race matching was considered to be in the best interest of the child because children were
placed with adoptive parents of the same race, race matching unintentionally contributed to foster
care drift and an increase in the amount of children in foster care. Foster care drift refers to the
magnitude of children lingering in the foster care system for long periods of time without achieving
permanency through reunification or adoption. In order to address race matching and foster care
drift, Congress passed the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) of 1994 and the Interethnic Adoption
Provisions (IEP) of 1996 (Bradley & Hawkins–Leon, 2002). This legislation unintentionally fueled
the transracial adoption debate. MEPA declared that race matching was not a priority in the
placement of African American children in adoptive homes, and the IEP took it one step further by
asserting that "race was not to be considered at all

Adoption Is A Non Genetic
Some relationships are like writing on a dry erase board with permanent marker and trying to erase
it–it does not erase! Genetics and union may just seem like two words. However, they have
something in common–both are relationships between people. A genetic relationship would include
brothers, sisters, moms, and dads. Nothing can ever erase that relationship, because it is genetic.
Union is a non–genetic, heartwarming, relationship, such as adoption. There are many reasons
people feel the want or need to adopt. Infertility is one of the many reasons. People have reported
that, when asked what they felt when they could not have children, they felt useless, disappointed
and even heartsick. Adoption is an option to couples who cannot have children or would prefer to
adopt. Couples and families that do adopt face many questions and emotions, as they are forming a
new bond between someone they may or may not know. Adoption can stem from foster care, but
research has "...found that a majority of adopted children were related to their adoptive parents by
blood and marriage." (Lamanna, Riedmann, Strahm, 2012). Foster care is placing a child in the
temporary care of a family other than its own as the result of problems or challenges that are taking
place within the birth family. Children in foster care are just like any other children, except, through
no fault of their own, had to be removed from their families due to abusive or neglectful situations.
There are

Essay on Biracial Adoption
Interracial Adoption
Adoption is the complete and permanent transfer of parental rights and obligations, usually from one
set of legal parents to adoptive parents(Ademec 27). Not until the late 19th century did the U.S.
legislative body grant legal status to adoptive parents. This is when children and parents started to
gain rights and support from the government. Through the years new laws have been passed and
amended to keep the system fair to all adoptive parents. In 1994, Congress passed the Multiethnic
Placement Act, making it illegal to delay the placement a child to find a racially matching family. In
1996 the Multiethnic Placement Act was amended to say, "One can not use race as a routine
consideration in child placement"(Lewin ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Ethnic identity is the major reason why many African Americans do not approve of interracial
adoption. Adopting a child outside of your race is interracial adoption(Godwin 258). The National
Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) are strongly against interracial adoption. They think
that only black people can give the children a positive racial identity. Also that only black parents
can help the children develop skills for coping in a racist society. This statement is proven to be
wrong in the Grow/Shapiro study in 1974(Bender/Leone 198). The study consisted of 125 white
families who all adopted black children. Seventy–seven percent of the adoptions went smoothly
without any problems at all. They found that the tests of the transracially adopted children verses
those of white adopted children matched very closely (Bender/Leone 200). The tests compared the
problems that the white and black children face like racism. The numbers show that the child's age,
not transracial adoption, has the most impact on adjustment and racial identity(Bender/Leone 202).
The longer the child is in an orphanage or foster home, the more problems the child will have with
an adoptive family. Because the child has no parent, it often becomes confused. The child does not
know who to call mom or dad. The children wait two to five years in a foster home or orphanage
before being adopted. There are not enough adoptive black

Examples Of Transracial And Intercultural Adoption
Ethics of Intercultural and Transracial Adoption
"It is estimated there are between 143 million and 210 million orphans worldwide (recent UNICEF
report.)" (Orphan hope), as stated on Orphan Hope International. This number of orphaned children
who are waiting and longing to be loved is unbelievable. So many beautiful boys and girls of all
different races and cultures, who have done nothing to deserve this unloved lonely life, are waiting
day after day in hopes that someone will love and adopt them into their family. Why do more people
not adopt? Why are there so many still living without love and a family? Many times it is because of
peoples ethical beliefs on transracial and intercultural adoption. Some of these beliefs are in favor of
this type of adoption yet many are against it. These ethical beliefs that determine peoples view of
right and wrong on transracial and intercultural adoption include the formation of the child's identity
and the child's cultural heritage involvement in his or her life.
The first ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A personal testimony from a transracial adoptee named Katherine Quarmby expressed that, "My
loss of ethnic heritage has been more than compensated for in the multitude of opportunities
afforded by my adoption" (Quarmby). Those who believe that transracial and intercultural adoption
is right trust that the child would be able to not only learn and take part in their own culture, but also
learn and take part in all cultures. This gives the child an advantage because they would be able be
presented with more opportunities and be able to relate to multiple types of people instead of just
one. Because of the larger understanding of many different cultures the child will be able to have a
fuller and well–rounded

Families don't have to match, you don't have to look like someone to love them. Leigh Anne Tuoghy
a small white southern women made this unflinching statement to address negative commentary that
was directed toward her adoptive son, who was very largely built and African American. With her
standing up and publically addressing the love of her son it allowed many people to start to embrace
transracial adoption after being frowned upon by many people who believe that children should not
be adopted by parents who are of a different race. In the 1920s the matching adoption policy was
created to match children to have the same biological make up. The greatest thing about transracial
adopting is knowing that there was a child who would need a home and a support system, no matter
what ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
With adoption being viewed in such a positive light there are still some people who are strongly
against transracial adopting and some of their reason are because they believe that the child will lose
their identity. Is the race of the child more important than the love that the child will receive? While
observing transracial adopting there are many point of view that you have to factor in, but there is
only one that matters and that is the love of the child.
President Theodore Roosevelt created the Progressive Movement to increase the improvement of
child welfare. In the 1850s many informal adopts began to take place after war because many
families were killed in the war leaving the children parentless this allow many people to advantage
of the children by making them slaves because they were naïve. His plan of child welfare was very
successful this made many people

Family. There are many ways to define what a family is and what it means to be part of a family.
Every family is different and holds its' own definition for what makes up a family. One of the
differences found within some modern day families is the mixture of culture, ethnicity, and race.
One way these differences occur is through transracial adoption. Transracial adoption is has been a
source a controversy for decades. Opponents of transracial adoption worry that the adopted children
will struggle with racial identity and that it promotes "cultural genocide", while those on the
opposite spectrum of transracial adoption seem to take a position of being "color–blind" coupled
with the idea that "all you need is love." Transracial adoption is ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Transracial adoption allows families to cross over previously drawn racial lines and relieve racial
tension drawing people of different backgrounds and culture together. As people of different race
and culture engage in meaningful social contact with each other racism and prejudice is reduced.
Many scholars are in support of the "social contact"

The Impact Of Transracial Adoption
I think it is great that celebrities are adopting children from Africa. The most important issue should
be that they are provided with a higher quality of life. If celebrities are providing these children with
a loving, caring, nurturing environment that meets their needs it will have a positive impact in their
lives. Also, it is important if African children develop protective factors such as having a secure
attachment relationship with a supporting parent. Protective factors can thus be conceived as
"moderators of risk and adversity that enhance the chance for normative developmental outcomes in
children" (Rutter, 1987. p.316). However, an issue that arises is the impact it will have on the culture
of African children. An additional concern is how they will cope with their adoptive position.
Additionally, transracial and international adoptees may feel less integrated into their family,
resulting in low self–esteem (Juffer, 2007. p.1067).This often includes problems associated with the
lack of similarity ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
couples have adopted a much wider diversity of children from other countries, from other ethnic
groups. A question is what impact is this having on the development and racial identity development
of African children. Adolescent who are adopted very early in their lives are more likely to have
positive outcomes. The majority of adopted children including those transracially adjust effectively
(Santrock, 2014. p.290). Transracial adoption has been surrounded by controversy and criticism
which have declared that African children in White homes were cut off from the healthy
development of their identity. Parents must protect their children against the racist's insults and
practices. They should empower and give African children the understandings and tools of the racial
challenges of this world. This will prepare them with positive strategies to engage inevitable
situations that they will encounter throughout their

Adopting A Child From A Race
Many people who planned to adopt or adopted a children from another race probably didn't realized
about the potential dilemma that their adopted kids might face when they get exposed to their real
community. And in the video the kids shared their experience and struggles of trying to figured out
their true identity. I feel bad for them to feel the way the felt even though I want to tell them that
they shouldn't think like the way they think about life in general but I am just a guy from the outside
trying to look in the inside I could blame them to feel what they felt, the government should
educated everyone about transracial adoption I think if people are aware of this then they would be
acceptable about the difference of other people. Make a universal symbol for these people that way
people would know why these kids look like them but act and talk different.
I never thought that adopting a child from a different race would create a social dilemma for the
children especially here in the U.S. I am planning to adopt children someday and I tried to look at on
a couple of website for adopting a kids and I had no preference or whatsoever I was just looking at
who was available in my area and I never thought that having an intention of just giving these
children a better life is not enough to have them have a good life because if you are Asian and you
adopt a black person and you don't know the culture from the black community that person you
adopt would feel lost and confused

Interracial Adoption Is A Controversial Issue For Decades Now
One of the most common scenarios we think of when hearing the phrase, "transracial adoption", is a
white family bringing an African American baby into their home. However, that is not always the
case. Transracial adoption means the joining together of racially diverse parents and children
together into an adopted family. Many families have had the life changing opportunity of adopting a
child into their home, whether the child is African American, Chinese, or Vietnamese, that has
shaped the family into something even stronger. People should consider interracial adoption because
children are able to benefit from a different ethnic background as well as provide a cultural abundant
experience for the whole family.
Interracial adoption has been a controversial issue for decades now. Segregation plays a big aspect
when thinking about how problems with this concept started being portrayed. People believe that
when you start to associate different races in a family, the racial identity of the children can start to
diminish. However, it is understood that a transracially placed child, and a biracial child in
particular, is in the best position to see the commonality between their race and their adoptive race
and the barriers to communication, respect, and understanding between the two (Forde–Mazrui). If
they are old enough to have been a part of and experienced life in their culture, they will be able to
make connections between the two races. On the other hand, this all depends

The Effect Of Interracial Adoption On A Child 's Racial...
The Effect of Interracial Adoption On A Child's Racial Identity
In 1972 the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) passed a resolution, which
said, "Black children should be placed only with black families whether in foster care or adoption.
Black children belong physically, psychologically and culturally in black families in order that they
receive the total sense of themselves and develop a sound projection of their future.... Black children
in white homes are cut off from the healthy development of themselves as black people.... We have
committed ourselves to go back to our communities and work to end this particular form of
genocide"(Silverman). Since then, family scientists have conducted extensive research on whether
the negative affects of transracial adoption is as detrimental to the development of racial identify in
children as the NABSW claims. Ultimately, many have come to the conclusion that it is better for a
child to be in a loving family, regardless of race than to be orphaned. In this paper, I will outline
arguments both for and against transracial adoption as well as offer suggestions on how parents can
foster the development of a racial identity in their adopted child. Immediately after the NABSW
report, numerous additional studies emerged, backing their claim. The Child Welfare League of
America (CWLA) stated, in Standards for Adoption Service–1973, "In today's climate, children
placed in adoptive families with similar racial characteristics

When a white Minnesotan couple adopted their African–American child in 1948, they opened the
door to a social debate that would span decades (Hawkins–Leon 1239). This first act of transracial
adoption [TRA] instigated conversation on whether agencies should limit child placement to same–
race matches or extend placement to interracial matches. It questioned the appropriateness of
crossing racial lines. Today, TRA occurs more often than it did in the 20th century. This frequency
calls to attention a need for conclusion of the dispute. While race occupies a defining space of a
child's identity, the need for a family supersedes the need for same–race matching, and calls for the
acceptance of TRA. Studies suggest that transracial adoption destabilizes ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Perhaps the main concern for transracial adoptees concerning their racial situation involves their
sense of identity, divided between racial and personal (Deberry 2377). One study worth mention
concerning racial identity used the Clark and Clark Doll Test, which features two dolls with dark
and light skin, and found only a seven percent difference between the black identification of
transracial black adoptees to inracial black adoptees (Morrison 182). Regarding personal identities,
outcome studies suggest that TRAs are not necessarily more prone than same–race adoptees or
nonadoptees to emotional or behavioral problems, low self–esteem, or maladjustments (Lee 4).
During a twenty year follow–up on Chinese children adopted transracially to Britain, the researchers
concluded that adoptees and nonadoptees developed self–esteem and social adjustment on the same
level (Lee 4). A study in 1977 that interviewed transracially adopting parents throughout the United
States found their black children emotionally healthy (Morrison 181). A second concern for the
psychological and social effects of TRA considers whether a transracially adopted child adjusts well
into a racially different environment. According to a 1983 study, racial differences do not inhibit
transracial adoptees from developing typical relationships any less than inracial adoptees (Morrison
182). Furthermore, racial differences may strengthen the parent–child relationship, as it "reinforces
that the family's foundation is based on bonds of relationship, not...biology" (Morrison 188). Studies
have indicated the healthy racial identities, the healthy personal identities, and the relationship
enabling of racial differences as proof of psychological and social benefits of transracial

Transracial Adoption

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