This study describes, examine, and questions why transracial adoption is such a concern for African Americans. The study also determines if there is significant reason for these concerns.
Transracial adoption is defined as the adoption by parents of an ethnically different child.
Currently, arguments for and against the adoption of black children by white families are heard in a range of forums. A number of highly publicized court cases, involving efforts of white families adopting African American children and the subsequent judicial decisions in their favor, have ignited strong passions throughout communities across the country. Proponents of such adoptions have argued that, given the steady increase in numbers of homeless children, the priority should be on achieving permanent home placements for these needy children, regardless of the adopting family s racial heritage. The purpose of this proposed study is to describe, examine, and question why transracial adoption is such a concern for African Americans and to determine if there is significant reason for concern. This proposed study will take a qualitative, historical approach combined with a quantitative, descriptive approach.