(1)
What can parents of a different race or ethnicity than their children do to help their
children become adjusted to their living situation?
Imperatives for Whites Who Adopt Black Children
http://www.nysccc.org/T-Rarts/T-Rarts.html
Parents of a different race or culture than their adopted children often worry about how to
preserve their child's cultural identity. The author of the website advises white parents who have
adopted black children to talk about racism with their children and celebrate their children's
heritage. Parents are encouraged to become knowledgeable about racism to prevent the negative
effects it may have on their family. Encourage their children to be involved in activities with
peers of their own race, to preserve cultural identity.
Considering a Transracial Adoption?
http://adoption.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adoptiontravel.com%2Farticles%2Fart7.htm
Adoption associates give advice for families considering a transracial adoption. They caution
families to be aware that racial prejudice may exist. Although the family may endure some
discrimination, most families report that a transracial adoption made their family closer and more
open. The transracial adoption enhanced the lives of everyone in the family.
(2)
What is transracial adoption and what relevant legislation exists?
FAQs about Adoption: Transracial Adoption
http://www.parentsoup.com/adoption/resources/articles/0,,162151_169070,00.html?arrivalSA=1&arrival_freqCap=1&pba=adid=6465673
The Howard M. Metzenbaum Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 prohibits an agency or entity that
receives federal assistance and is involved in adoptive or foster care placements from delaying or
denying the placement of a child on the basis of the race, color or national origin of the adoptive
or foster parent or the child involved. This law is intended to decrease the amount of time it
takes for a child to be adopted, decrease discrimination of the child or parent on the basis of
race, origin, or ethnicity, and increase the level of recruiting agencies put forth in finding
families that can meet the needs of the children who wait for a placement.
Precious Cargo: Transracial Adoption
http://www.pbs.org/itvs/preciouscargo/babylift1.html
Transracial or transcultural adoption refers to the adoption of a child of one race or
culture by parents of a different race or culture. Precious Cargo provides information regarding
the history of transracial adoptions and how these adoptions have been impacted by legislation.
(3)
What resources are available for parent support?
The Value of Adoptive Parent Groups
http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/
The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families
understands the importance in support for adoptive parents. This website offers information
regarding the value of parent support groups, how to find a support group, the history of parent
support groups, and much more. Transracial adoptions are discussed in the groups, providing a
support system to families experiencing the difficulties of transracial adoption
PACT, An Adoption Alliance - Transracial Adoption Parent Support
http://www.pactadopt.org/membership/taps.html
PACT recognizes that transracial adoption can result in challenges for the whole family. This
support group offers a toll free number for parents to call who are in need of support. The
personal experience of the trained volunteers makes them a great support system for transracial
adoptive parents.
(4)
What is the history behind transracial adoption?
The Adoption History Project
http://www.uoregon.edu/~adoption/topics/transracialadoption.htm
The Indian Adoption Project of 1945 and other international adoptions from Asian countries in
the mid 1900's were some of first cases of transracial adoption. World War II affected societal
perspectives regarding transracial adoption. This website gives an in depth historical look at
transracial adoption.
Filmmaker
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2000/firstpersonplural/filmmaker.html
Deann Borshay Liem is a transracially adopted adult. Deann shares her story in a PBS
documentary. The film is touching and poignant. Deann's story allows viewers inside the life of
being a transracially adopted child from South Korea. Other links in this website provide
information regarding the history of adoption. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, transracial
adoptions became common, as increasing numbers of African Americans were in the public welfare
system.
(5)
What are the pros and cons of transracial adoption?
Adoption Statistics.Com
http://statistics.adoption.com/transracial_adoption.php
Transracially adopted children typically adjust well in their new homes. Studies have shown
that transracial adoption is not detrimental to the child's social and psychological
|
