Transracial adoption (sometimes referred to as interracial adoption) is the adoption of a child from a different racial background than the adoptive parents. In recent years, it’s become increasingly common for prospective parents to adopt children from another racial background, as well as for birthmothers to choose racially diverse adoptive parents for their children. While there are unique challenges associated with transracial adoptions, there are also many benefits that enrich the lives of the prospective parents and adopted children involved.
For prospective parents who are interested in or want to learn more about transracial adoption, our guide illuminates important points to consider when raising a child of a different race, as well as the many benefits parents can look forward to.
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Each adoption story unfolds in its own distinct way. At the root of all adoption stories, however, is a common thread: love. For birthmothers, choosing to place their child for adoption is a selfless act of love to ensure the best possible future for that child. For adoptive parents, welcoming a new family member is the fulfillment of a dream years in the making. On either side of adoption, love is the unifying factor that ensures an adopted child is safe, cared for, and given every opportunity to succeed. For adopted families of diverse ethnicities, cultures, or racial backgrounds, this love and commitment to building a future together can help them overcome the many challenges and obstacles they may face.
For prospective parents considering transracial adoption, the following questions raise important concerns that each parent should be able to answer.
Heritage and identity are important, and for parents considering transracial or interracial adoption, learning about a child’s heritage is essential. As children grow and develop, they will begin to ask questions and want to learn more about their background. It’s crucial that adoptive parents have a fundamental understanding of the gravity and meaning of the answers to these questions. In order to prepare, it’s best that parents educate themselves on their adopted child’s background. Learning about different cultural or racial backgrounds will also help them make better decisions for their adopted child, which can lead to a more enriching life.
For prospective parents with significant others or partners, being on the same page about transracial adoption is a must. This includes the desire to learn about a diverse background and be willing to share in the responsibilities of teaching adopted children, when the time comes, of their heritage.
Finding community members who share your child’s cultural, ethnic, or racial background is one of the best ways to both learn about diverse backgrounds and help your child understand theirs. Seeking out additional resources or assistance from those who share your child’s background and heritage can help them find support, understanding, and a sense of cultural identity.
Not everyone will be supportive of your transracial adoption. Sometimes, even family members or friends present criticism, confrontation, or rhetoric that you or your adopted child may find hurtful. As an adoptive parent, it’s your responsibility to face these moments or comments in a way that defends and supports your child.
For children of transracial adoptions, it’s important that adoptive parents not only acknowledge their child’s differences but celebrate them as well. This can include celebrating important cultural events, showing unconditional love and support as children navigate the world, and advocating on behalf of a child’s heritage and background. In order to advocate, adoptive parents need a strong sense of understanding of the important historical moments and experiences for those who share a similar background with their adopted child.
“We are so grateful for everything you did for us. The amount of love we have for him is unreal. We can't wait to see what the future holds for our family.”— Brandie & Neal
For prospective parents who move forward with a transracial adoption, there are many benefits that are enriching and empowering.
Transracial adoption is a complicated and nuanced topic, and there are many websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media groups that discuss both the positive and negative aspects of it. For prospective parents, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of the intent behind these sources, as well as the language they use when speaking about transracial adoption. If you have any questions about transracial or any other type of adoption, please feel free to contact us.
There is plenty of overlap between transracial adoption and transcultural adoption. However, the term transcultural adoption refers to adopting a child from a different cultural background, which doesn’t always mean the child is from a different racial background.
Regardless of whether a child is from a transracial adoption or not, children can sometimes struggle with identity when they learn about their backgrounds. During this time, it’s important that adoptive parents show unconditional love, support, and acceptance and answer questions to the best of their ability. When it comes to transracial adoption, encouraging children to learn about their heritage and racial background can help them overcome identity issues that coincide with adoption.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for adopted children to cope with their racial identity or being different. Transracially adopted children may also experience discrimination from peers, community members, and even extended family members. When this happens, strong support, understanding, and unconditional love from adoptive parents can help a child cope and grow from these struggles.
Being open, honest, and, most importantly, supportive of your child’s heritage is one of the best ways to navigate race. Celebrating your adopted child’s background, as well as encouraging them to learn more about their heritage, also helps children embrace and have confidence in their identity and self-worth.
