The Role of Race in Adoption

When my parents registered to adopt, they asked specifically for a white child. When I asked why they chose to adopt a Caucasian child instead of another race my father told me that they didn't feel comfortable dealing with issues that may arise with a child of another ethnic backgrounds than white parents. I think on some levels it definitely makes things a bit easier when it comes to discussions around race, though I don't think it's wrong for a couple to adopt a child of a different race, as long as the couple is ready to answer questions and teach the child about their background. From the perspective of the adoption agency it makes it easier to place a child with a couple if they are more open to different races simply because it doesn't limit options for the parents. If parents are too picky it can lead to difficulties in finding them an appropriate child. When a parent does do a transracial adoption there are definitely responsibilities that come with that commitment. On another note, birthmothers may not be open to giving their child to a family of a different ethnicity. They want their heritage and cultural teachings maintained and there may also be a sense of familiarity with how the family is run in a culture. Just the other day Adopt International was called by a Korean birthmother who only wanted a Korean family to adopt her child. Below I've posted a few articles on this subject that are worth checking out.

Talking Race

Asian and Latino Children in White Homes

Should Race Be a Factor in Adoptions?