Black Social Workers Oppose
Transracial Adoption.Adopting by ColorIn what has been called a "racist claptrap," the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) has officially and publicly announced their opposition to transracial adoptions; specifically, the adoption of black children by white families. The association claims "preservation of the African-American family" as their motive for their stance.
The announcement, which dates back to 1972, prompted a great deal of research into the effects of transracial adoption on transracial adoptees. But counseling psychologist, Amanda Baden, among others, feels that further research is needed to make valid conclusions about the effects on the children.
The pros and cons of transracial adoption have been long debated, with blacks and whites on both sides of the proverbial fence. Arguments for transracial adoption stem from the belief that the importance of finding a loving home for a child should precede consideration of the race of the children and parents involved. Some go as far as to say that transracial adoptions can help to bridge America's racial divide. The opposition argues that "cultural" issues are at stake and that white parents don't possess the "first-hand experience" of being black that is necessary to pass along to black children. As with many racial issues, no end-all solution to the issue is in sight, but legislation to eliminate racial preference in adoptions (The Multiethnic Placement Act) was introduced by U.S. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum and was signed into law in October of 1994 and amended in 1996.
Still, while federal law prohibits the consideration of race in placing adopted children with families by public agencies, the NABSW is so strongly against the adoption of black children by white families, that they recommend that adoption agencies do everything in their power to place children into same-race adoptive families. And, because current legislation still allows for placement agencies to use their discretion in determining the "best interests of the child," personal opposition to transracial adoption or ignorance of the information available on the effects of transracial adoption may lead to certain racial biases being employed at any rate. Metzenbaum claims, "Black social workers are so determined that white families not adopt black children that they're willing to keep them in foster homes ... rather than [help] white families adopt the children."
It should be noted that many agencies believe in and promote transracial adoption as an option for any family willing to approach the adoption with educated and open minds. Interracial families, no matter how they are formed, unfortunately still may face some obstacles in today's society that should be faced honestly by any interracial family, adoptive or otherwise.
According to a recent Des Moines Register article, "minority children make up 67 percent of all children in the public foster-care system. On average, a black child waits over four years for a permanent home."
Fortunately, more families are becoming educated about transracial adoption. It seems that with a current trend among American families to adopt transracially from Asian countries, the issues surrounding the identity of minority children adopted into white families are being studied and spoken to more comprehensively. As a result, there is a wealth of information currently available for families who are thinking of adopting transracially as well as for transracial adoptive parents and adoptees. The internet is an excellent resource for transracial adoptive families of African-American and Asian children, as well as, to a lesser degree, Latino and Native American children.
A recently published book, Inside Transracial Adoption, takes a look at transracial adoption and offers guidance for parents who have adopted transracially or for those considering it. Several sites offer advice and 'things to consider'-type questions for those who might be thinking of adopting transracially. And essays, articles and points-of-view from transracial adoptees and adoptive parents offer first-hand accounts of transracial adoption.
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