Should I Choose an Adoptive Family of a Different Race?

By Edward Harding

So, you’re considering placing your baby for adoption. You’ve constructed an adoption plan with a professional and have begun to advance toward the final stages. Choosing the right adoptive family can be tough, especially when you limit your mindset to specific types of people. It’s always a good idea to broaden your horizons and expose yourself to different kinds of people. America is a diverse country by nature, and modern society has grown increasingly welcoming toward families of all backgrounds. Who knows? You might find that perfect family you dream of for your child in a place you might not expect.

Adoption Choices of Arizona supports and values clients of all races, genders, and cultures. We treat you with respect and dignity and ensure you receive the birth mother benefits you need.

If you need adoption help now, please call us at 480-900-5520, text us at 602-922-0408, or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.

Transracial Adoption in Arizona

Transracial adoption is defined simply as an adoption in which the child is of a different race than the adoptive parents. For example, a Caucasian child could be placed with an African American family and vice versa. Mixed-race adoption also falls under this criteria, where either one of the adoptive parents is of a different race from the child or the other. 

Transcultural adoption is also common amongst many Transracial adoptions and maybe another factor to consider. In Transcultural adoption, the child has a different ethnic and cultural identity than the adoptive parents. For instance, a Hispanic child adopted by a Caucasian family would be considered both transcultural and transracial. Transcultural adoption is the most common among International adoptions.  

All of these potential variations on transracial adoption essentially mean the same thing. Adoption agencies in Arizona often use them interchangeably or to provide a further distinction between adoptive families.     

Adoption Agencies in Arizona recommend Transracial Adoption 

There are many general pros and cons to giving your baby up for adoption. Letting go of a child is certainly a difficult step in the adoption process. In contrast, here are some additional positives associated with Transracial adoption specifically. They may aid you in considering this option for your child.       

• Allows for cultural exchange. Placing your child with a family of another race gives them more opportunities. It can allow them to experience various cultural traditions, religions, or holidays firsthand. Learning is one of the most powerful parts of child development, and transracial adoption capitalizes on this especially well.       
• Increases racial tolerance at a young age. Having a close relationship with people of other races will aid in combating racial bias. This is especially valuable within the diverse landscape of our modern culture.       
• Emphasizes diverse community building. Children raised in multiracial households are more likely to interact or form friendships with others from diverse backgrounds.

Matching with a Transracial Family during the Adoption Process 

If you are considering transracial adoption, mention this to your adoption counselor. It will help to broaden your potential matches and influence the family profiles presented to you. Adoption agencies in Arizona carefully review each family beforehand through the use of a home study. The primary purpose of this home study is to collect personal background information and compare it with your own goals for your child. 

Choosing a Transracial family can not only be a positive experience for your baby but also for you and the adoptive parents. Transracial adoption will force you to reexamine your relationship with race and any judgemental stigmas you may possess yourself. If you choose an open adoption, both you and the family can interact and form a lasting cross-racial relationship. Without adoption, this otherwise may never have occurred. Additionally, you may gain a new appreciation for culture after seeing how it has benefited your child. 

For an adoptive family, choosing to adopt outside your race can allow you an opportunity to share your world experience. In addition, this can help to erase harmful stereotypes held by those of other ethnicities.   

Ask about the Transracial adoption Process in Arizona                

Transracial adoption is more common than ever. Chances are high that many adoption agencies near you offer transracial adoption. February is also Black History month, which means it’s never been a better time to explore multiracial adoptive families. 

Adoption Choices of Arizona serves adoptive parents and birth mothers across the country. In addition to Arizona, we commonly provide services to Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and California. No matter what kind of family you’re looking for, we can find someone who will give your child the best possible care.

If you need adoption help now, please call us at 480-900-5520, text us at 602-922-0408, or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.

For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call us at or text us at 602-922-0408. If you are a prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please, instead, visit us here!