Many families adopt children from other racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds, either through domestic or intercountry adoption. These families may face unique challenges as children, youth, and young adults begin to develop their own identity and express a desire to connect with their cultural background. This section offers resources for professionals working with parents to help them understand and care for their adopted children from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Affirming and Nurturing Racial Identity and Equality in Children [Webinar]
Edwards & Hudson (2020)
Youth Law Center
Explores messages and actions that caregivers could use to assist children in exploring and appreciating their own racial identity as well as adopting an antiracist worldview.
The Hierarchy of Racial and Cultural Needs of Transracial Adoptees and Fosterees (Part 1 of 2)
Raise the Future (2022)
Offers guidance from the perspectives of a psychologist, transracial adoptee of color, and transracially adoptive parent on how racial and cultural identity impacts the psychological, safety, interpersonal, and emotional needs of a child.
The Multiethnic Placement Act 25 Years Later: Trends in Adoption and Transracial Adoption
Kalisher, Gosciak, & Spielfogel (2020)
Mathematica
Offers an overview of the research study that was conducted regarding Multiethnic Placement Act requirements and their overall impact on States’ efforts to improve recruitment of diverse foster and adoptive parents.
Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Adoptive Families
The Personal Is Political: Racial Identity and Racial Justice in Transracial Adoption
Kim (2018)
Adoptalk, 3
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Shares the perspective of a Korean woman who was adopted as a child into a white family and did not fully develop her racial or cultural identity until adulthood. The resource offers concrete ways for adoptive parents to help their children embrace their identity, address personal mindsets, and advocate for further racial justice.
Preparing Families for Transracial Adoption [Video]
AdoptUSKids (2021)
Shares the results of a study conducted to determine whether families who had self-identified their readiness and who had received services and supports were more prepared to care for and support their transracial adoptees.
Seeing Color: Why It Matters for Transracial Adoptive Families
Dinwoodie (2016)
The Imprint
Explains the importance of understanding and acknowledging cultural and racial differences for transracial adoptive families. The article discusses the overrepresentation of children of color in the foster care system and waiting to be adopted.
Seven Suggestions for a Successful Transracial Adoption
AdoptUSKids (2022)
Offers key considerations and suggestions for how to prepare for a transracial adoption from the perspective of adoptive parents and child welfare professionals.