Is transracial adoption a positive choice for kids? How can children gain their new families without losing their birth heritage? How can parents best support their children after placement? Inside Transracial Adoption is an authoritative guide to navigating the challenges and issues that parents face in the USA when they adopt a child of a different race and/or from a different culture. Filled with real-life examples and strategies for success, this book explores in depth the realities of raising a child transracially, whether in a multicultural or a predominantly white community. Readers will learn how to help children adopted transracially or transnationally build a strong sense of identity, so that they will feel at home both in their new family and in their racial group or culture of origin. This second edition incorporates the latest research on positive racial identity and multicultural families, and reflects recent developments and trends in adoption.Drawing on research, decades of experience as adoption professionals, and their own personal experience of adopting transracially, Beth Hall and Gail Steinberg offer insights for all transracial adoptive parents - from prospective first-time adopters to experienced veterans - and those who support them.
Acknowledgements. Section 1. Unpacking the Challenges of Transracial Adoption. 1. Our Perspectives on Transracial Adoption. Section 2. Racial Identity. 2. Racial Identity Development. 3. Confronting Racism and Our Own White Privilege. 4. Breaking the Racial Sound Barrier. 5. Seeking Diversity. 6. Handling Outsiders' Questions and Comments. Section 3. Family Matters. 7. Strengthening Family Identity. 8. Transracial Parenting Strategies. 9. Birth Family. 10. Extended Family. 11. Siblings In/By Adoption. 12. Religious Choices and Beliefs. Section 4. Through Development's Lens. 13. Infants. 14. Preschoolers. 15. School-agers. 16. Tween and Teens. 17. Our Children Are Our Children Forever Even As Adults. Section 5. Specifics in Focus. 18. Building a Foundation. 19. Building Hope and Pride. 20. Cultural Specifics. 21. Adoption Specifics. Section 6. Parting Thoughts. 22. Embracing Our Strengths. Index.
While largely aimed at an American audience, this book explains how to become an ally and advocate for your transracially adopted child/ren. The authors offer invaluable insight into parenting transracially through adoption. They never lose sight of the reality of racism and the need to help transracially adopted children to name, externalise, and depersonalise racism, as well as build links with their community of birth. Central is the idea that we must really listen to our children, validate their feelings and experiences, challenge racism, and equip them with the skills to do so. Inside Transracial Adoption contains a wealth of tips and guidance for adoptive parents and social workers whether in the USA, UK, or elsewhere.
