Myths Behind Transracial Adoption
Race remains a major subject of discussion that crosses into many other social issues. Adoption is no exception, as children of all backgrounds are in need of a home. As a birth mother, there are a lot of things you need to consider before deciding what’s best. If you choose a Colorado adoption, chances are you are thinking about what to consider when picking an adoptive family. Adoptive families will vary in background, so you may have to learn about another culture to understand the mindset of your child’s new family. Some moms are hesitant to place their child with parents of another culture because there are myths behind transracial adoption.
These myths are further proof that our society still suffers from the ills of racial bias. We at Adoption Choices of Colorado believe that it is an important step towards progress would be educating the public about diversity. As individuals, we can’t change others, but we can educate ourselves. As you read through the listed myths behind transracial adoption, think about what else you may need to know about multiracial families.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 303-670-4673 (HOPE) or visit us at Adoption Choices of Colorado.
- Myth: Transracial Adoption is Bad For AdopteesThis is definitely false. The race of the child will not stop loving adoptive parents from caring for them, and neither does it harm the child in any way. Your child will love their parents, and the parents will still love them. In fact, nearly half of all adoptions are transracial, so a mix of cultures is normal within the adoptive community. An adoptive family of a different race will be an opportunity to learn another culture, and they, themselves, will benefit from learning about people different from them. They may have to learn how to do a different hair texture or, in some cases, deal with judgemental peers, but that experience will make them more understanding towards others.The biggest problem adoptees may face the poor handling of identity within adoptive families. An identity crisis on the part of the child is possible as they grow older, but it is not destined to happen. Open-minded adoptive parents will teach your child to appreciate different cultures and develop a strong sense of self-esteem. This will take sustained effort on the adoptive parents’ end, but it is still possible.
- Myth: Other People’s Prejudice Is Their ProblemThe problem with this myth is that humans are social creatures. Other people do affect us whether we admit it or not. You’ve probably heard ignorant remarks from your family when you announced you’re considering adoption for your baby. On the other hand, your child’s adoptive family will have to hear racist comments from other people. Adoptive parents are hurt to see their adopted child discriminated against. It is even worse when their extended family members turn out to be racist. On your end, your own family might have opinions on who you are picking as an adoptive family. Their comments won’t be easy to deal with, and that’s a reality you may have to face.
- Myth: Talking About Race Worsens RacismTalking about race does not worsen racism. In fact, discussions on race are how our society will learn to embrace differences. Your child’s adoptive family will have to learn to embrace your child’s differences, and your child may wonder about their identity. Your child may have to face discrimination, and you will have to learn the adoptive family’s culture. In the increasingly common open adoption, a mix of cultures between the birth and adoptive families will be part of your child’s interactions. Discussing race helps people across cultures understand each other and will help your child appreciate who they are. The adoption process is not easy, but a happy ending is the goal. Your child will be happy regardless of the race of their adoptive parents, so don’t let myths affect your decision.
Breaking the Stereotypes Behind Transracial Adoptions
Adoption Choices of Colorado strives to help birth moms make informed decisions. Learning accurate information leads to the best choices, especially for this very important decision. Each adoption experience is different, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another. Remember that only you can know what’s best for your child, and picking an adoptive family has a lot of considerations. Myths and other people’s judgment can be a stumbling block, but it won’t stop you from finding the right family. Take the time you need to do your research and take each step as you are ready. Adoption Choices is here to help and will work closely to get you the help you need and answer any questions you may have.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the author: Seannea Wharton is a student at Miami University majoring in English. As of now, she is working on her first novel, starting a book blog, and learning American Sign Language. She was raised in a suburban town in New Jersey and has various hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and crocheting. She enjoys learning about a wide range of topics and loves finding new books to read.
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!