Growing up black in a white family
Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:06 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
By Vicky Bernal, NBC News associate producer
More than a third of all children in foster care are African American, yet they have lower rates of adoption than children of other race and ethnicities. African American children are also more likely to stay in foster care for a longer period of time compared to white children. A report from earlier this year examines the role of race in adoption from foster care.
The Even B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, a non-profit adoption advocacy and research organization, takes a look at the federal law governing adoptions from foster care. Under the law agencies that receive federal funding are prohibited from considering race, color or national origin as a factor when placing foster care children with potential adoptive families. Part of what this includes and what the Institute takes issue with is that white parents adopting a black child are not required to receive special training or counseling to discuss the potential challenges that adopting across racial lines can bring-things like how to deal with discrimination to how to take care of African American hair.
This report argues that a colorblind approach doesn't work and doesn't meet the needs of African American children. While adopting across racial lines can bring much needed homes to children who need them the Institute wants more practices in place to help better serve the challenges that adopting across racial lines can bring.
For example several studies cited in the report found that transracially adopted children struggle more with acceptance and comfort with their physical appearance than children placed in families of the same race. Some children also struggle to develop a positive racial and ethnic identity.
Aaron Stigger, 28-years old is biracial. He was adopted as a baby by a white couple. He and his mother, Judy Stigger share with us their experience growing up in a transracial family. They agree that race does matter and needs to be addressed whenever you adopt across racial lines but as you'll hear from them directly they believe it's a wonderful way to be a family.
Editor's note: Click on the above photo to watch the video.
More links: Adoption Learning Partners, The Cradle
See this msnbc.com report: Shades of experience - Multi-racial in America
