Interracial (Transracial) Adoption in South Carolina

The decision to adopt is, at its core, a choice fueled by the desire to give and receive love, to offer a child a sense of home, belonging, and family. 

But what happens when love transcends racial lines? 

For many, interracial or transracial adoption is an increasingly common reality. According to the Washington Post, “From 2020 to 2022, more than a third of adopted children came from a different racial background than their head of household. That’s more than three times the rate for biological children, and substantially higher than the rates for grandchildren or stepchildren.”

Yet, interracial adoption is not a decision to be taken lightly. As hopeful parents contemplate welcoming a child of a different racial or ethnic background into their family, they must navigate complex issues such as racial identity, cultural heritage, and the pervasive presence of racism in everyday life. While love is the foundation of any family, raising a child of a different race brings specific challenges that require deep thought and preparedness.

The narrative of transracial adoption has always been threaded with complexity. This type of adoption is not simply a matter of love transcending color, especially when you consider historical judgments by organizations such as the one made by the National Association of Black Social Workers in the 1970s. They decried the placement of Black children in white homes. Even today, transracial adoptive families face ongoing challenges, and understanding that the racial background of a child can shape their entire life is paramount.

The Rise of Transracial Adoption: A Historical Context

Interracial adoption in the United States traces its origins to the mid-twentieth century. Following World War II, international adoptions increased, and Americans began adopting war orphans, particularly from countries like Korea and Vietnam. As racial and cultural lines were crossed, a new kind of family emerged—one where love, not shared physical characteristics, defined belonging.

By the 1960s and 1970s, domestic transracial adoption became more common. White families, many motivated by the Civil Rights Movement’s call for equality, began adopting Black children. These families were often seen as pioneers in breaking down racial barriers, but as social workers and activists would later point out, the situation wasn’t as simple as it seemed. It wasn’t enough to give a child of color a permanent home. They needed something more—a connection to their cultural identity and the tools to navigate a society still steeped in racial division.

What Does It Mean to Adopt a Child of a Different Race?

When families adopt a child of a different racial background, they step into an entirely new dynamic, one that requires an understanding of racial identity that goes beyond the surface. A transracially adopted child doesn’t just take on the surname of their new family; they bring with them a rich heritage and cultural background that cannot be ignored or erased.

Many adoptive parents begin this journey with the best of intentions, but they must also be prepared to ask hard questions such as: 

• Is my community diverse enough for my child to see themselves reflected in everyday life? 
• Am I ready for the complex issues that come with raising a child who looks different from me?

The truth is, raising a child of a different race requires a deep commitment to understanding their racial heritage. Cultural differences or celebrating cultural holidays, can be a steep learning curve. Perhaps more crucially, it involves acknowledging that, no matter how much love is present in a home, that child will still face racism in the world. The question then becomes: How will I prepare them to face this reality?

The Role of Cultural Competence: Building Bridges to a Child’s Heritage

One of the most important factors in ensuring a successful interracial adoption is cultural competence. This involves more than just understanding your child’s racial background; it requires an active effort to incorporate their heritage into daily life. Beyond navigating their physical differences, parents need to create opportunities for their child to engage with their cultural identity, whether through community events, role models, or even homeland tours for international adoptees.

Incorporating cultural competence into parenting can also mean fostering relationships with people of your child’s race. For families adopting children of a different ethnic background, this might mean seeking out mentors or ensuring their child is surrounded by diverse friends and peers. 

The National Association of Black Social Workers, though historically opposed to transracial placements, advocates for the importance of racial identity in a child’s development—a position supported by decades of family studies.

Without this cultural awareness, children can feel disconnected from their roots and struggle with their sense of belonging. For instance, when a child of color is raised in a predominantly white community, without a connection to their racial background, they can experience a sense of “otherness” that lingers into adulthood.

Challenges on the Path to Transracial Adoption

While interracial adoption is filled with opportunities for growth, both for the child and the adoptive family, it is not without its unique challenges. Parents may encounter comments from family members or strangers—well-meaning but often insensitive—about the adoption or the race of the child. Worse yet, these families may face outright hostility or prejudice from those who view the mixing of races as problematic.

There’s also the challenge of navigating a child’s questions about race. How will parents explain to their child why they look different from their adoptive family? How will they handle remarks, well-intentioned or otherwise, from peers or even teachers? These are difficult questions, but they must be faced head-on with empathy and preparation.

Interracial adoptive families need to cultivate open lines of communication, not just within the home but also in the broader community. Engaging in racial justice work, educating themselves about the realities of certain privileges, and participating in support networks for interracial families can provide vital tools for navigating these challenges.

Talking About Race and Adoption: A Delicate Balance

When it comes to talking with your child about their adoption story, we’ve always held the position that children should know their adoption story (age appropriately) from the very beginning. For interracial families, these conversations inevitably expand to include discussions of race. It’s a delicate balance. While parents may not understand the importance of inviting conversations about cultural differences within a transracial family—and may want to shield their child from the harsh realities of racism—experts agree that addressing these issues early is far healthier than pretending they don’t exist.

In fact, pretending that “color doesn’t matter” or adopting a so-called “color-blind” approach can be detrimental. Children of color live in a world where their race is often seen as an important factor in how they are perceived or treated, whether or not their family chooses to acknowledge it. Adoptive parents must ensure that their child has the appropriate tools to feel confident in their racial identity while also offering support during tough moments, like instances of racial discrimination.

Adoption professionals recommend starting conversations about race early and continuing them throughout a child’s life. Books, cultural resources, and community groups can help families navigate these discussions, offering guidance and a sense of belonging.

Fostering a Strong Sense of Identity in Interracial Families

For children of color adopted by families of different backgrounds, racial identity can become a central part of their personal development. It’s critical for adoptive parents to encourage a positive sense of racial identity, acknowledging that their child’s race is an important part of who they are. This means celebrating their cultural heritage, involving them in events that connect them to their ethnic background, and ensuring they see themselves reflected in their community.

The National Council for Adoption emphasizes the importance of this approach, particularly in placements of Black children in white homes. Without it, children can feel lost between two worlds, unsure of where they truly belong. However, with the right support, they can develop a strong sense of self, one that embraces both their adoptive family and their birth culture.

Creating a Support System: Mentors, Community, and Role Models

The need for same-race mentors and role models cannot be overstated. For children of color growing up in a transracial household, seeing adults who look like them and share their experiences can be incredibly empowering. Whether it’s through family friends, teachers, or community leaders, ensuring that a child has these connections helps them navigate the world with confidence.

This is where communities play an essential role. By involving a child in activities and spaces where they can meet other children and adults of their race, parents can help their child build a network that supports their identity. From cultural festivals to transracial adoption camps, there are myriad opportunities for families to engage with their child’s heritage.

Addressing Societal Judgment and Racism: A Collective Responsibility

Interracial families often face judgment from outsiders. From strangers asking inappropriate questions to outright hostility, the road to raising a transracially adopted child can be filled with obstacles, but these challenges also present opportunities for change. By addressing hard questions head-on, speaking openly about family dynamics, and setting appropriate boundaries, interracial adoptive families can push against societal norms and foster greater understanding.

Parents must also learn to advocate for their children in public settings in ways that may differ from their approach to advocating for children of the same racial background. This means taking into consideration the existing biases of others, whether from teachers or from individuals who are from the same racial background as your child. For instance, one antiquated bias (often seen in educational settings but could be manifested anywhere) is that of lower expectations for children of color. Other biases include the latitude some people feel they have for expressing strong opinions on the choices you make as a transracial family.

A Recap on Building a Family That Defies Boundaries

Interracial adoption, at its best, is about building bridges across cultures, racial lines, and histories. It’s about raising children to embrace their racial identity while also finding a sense of belonging in a loving family. The process requires deep reflection, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating differences.

For prospective adoptive parents considering transracial adoption, the journey ahead is filled with both joys and challenges. With love, cultural competence, and a strong support system, families can thrive. They can teach their children that while race shapes their experience, it does not define their worth.

In a world where racial lines are still often seen as barriers, these families stand as a testament to the power of love and acceptance.

Considering Adoption?

Building families isn’t just our job—it’s our passion. At TD Law Group, Attorney Jim Thompson and our experienced team specialize in creating personalized adoption plans that protect your rights and prioritize your peace of mind. Whether you’re adopting domestically, internationally, or pursuing stepparent or kinship adoption, we’ll guide you through every legal detail with compassion and expertise.

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