People who were adopted into families with different racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds have unique experiences with forming their racial and cultural identity. Resources in this section capture the perspectives of those who have been adopted into racially and culturally diverse families. The speakers share that most of their adoptive parents lacked the training and awareness necessary to help them form their own racial identity in childhood. The resource offers concrete ways for adoptive parents to help their children embrace their identity, address personal mindsets, and advocate for further racial justice.

More specifically, the Evan B. Because of this, it is important to educate yourself on the history of racism as well as the meaning and effect of white privilege. According to McIntosh, those who benefit from white privilege do not think about it because they are in the majority and can easily take it for granted. For this reason, it is important to understand the impact of white privilege and how this might make you experience things differently than your transracially adopted child does. In order to avoid these pitfalls, it is important to create a balance between discussing differences and similarities, which may include talking about shared likes and dislikes, common interests, personality traits, temperament, gender, spirituality, and elements of family culture, including shared beliefs, traditions, rituals, and celebrations. Identifying and talking about these commonalities is what will help you bond with your adopted child, which will be essential for their developing a secure attachment to you.

Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. The number of transracial adoptions in the United States, particularly international adoptions, is increasing annually.

Their house in a Philadelphia suburb overflows with toys, bicycles and cheerful din. Congress shares his enthusiasm for interracial adoptions. It passed legislation in threatening penalties against states or adoption agencies that delayed moving children out of foster care while seeking adoptive parents of the same race. But four years later, the congressional initiative remains divisive. The National Association of Black Social Workers, backed by many white colleagues, opposes interracial adoption except as a last resort.