Adoption is a beautiful journey for many families. Some adults who are interested in adoption may realize that there’s a great need for parents, so some children have to wait a long time for a new family. They may decide to consider a transracial adoption.
Transracial adoption occurs when the adoptive parents aren’t the same race as the adoptive child. This type of adoption comes with specific concerns that the adoptive parents should consider.
1. Legislation addresses specific transracial adoptions
Two particular laws apply to transracial adoptions.
- Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978: This prevents Native American children from being adopted by non-Native American adults. Instead, they must be adopted by individuals related to the child.
- Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994: State agencies can’t refuse adoptive parents for children based on ethnicity or race.
While many adoptive parents won’t have to deal with these two laws, it’s a good idea to know about them.
2. Challenges are to be expected
Raising children who are of another race will come with some challenges. Some challenges may include showing that the parent has custody of the child. School and medical care are two areas where they may need to show that they’re the child’s parents.
3. Learning experiences will occur
Children who are adopted deserve to learn about their heritage, even if it’s not the same as the adoptive parents’ heritage. Adoptive parents can learn about the child’s heritage and help them to know about it.
For adoptive parents who are entering into a transracial adoption, being able to rest assured that the legal process is handled appropriately can take some stress off them. This can free up their time and energy to help their children adjust to their new family.