Adopting a Baby of Another Race?

Question

This is a question for the future - but I have always had a heart to adopt and take in a child that might have a hard time getting a home. This means that as a white parent, I would not be snatching up a white baby (they are in high demand and in no danger of going unadopted), and would probably adopt a black baby. In fact, that is sort of my goal.

I don't see that there ought to be a single issue, but I wondered if anyone knows anything I have overlooked or problems I might have ... ?

Answer 1

i see nothing wrong with that go head good luck

Answer 2

Here are some good tips

http://www.ehow.com/how_10868_adopt-chil...

And believe it or not American Indian children and Eskimo children are the easiest to adopt.

Answer 3

You probably would find this website a good resource.

http://www.antiracistparent.com/

Edit to add for the other answerer who was concerned about this link.  This is the page they give the purpose of that website:

http://www.antiracistparent.com/2006/10/...

"Thank you for visiting us here at Anti-Racist Parent! This is a blog for parents who are committed to raising children with an anti-racist outlook. If you’re a parent who is tired of having your child learn about race and identity through the mixing of neapolitan ice cream :), playing dress-up with national costumes, and absorbing the same handful of sanitized historical facts every single Black/Latino/Native American/Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, this blog is for you."

Answer 4

well my adopted sister is asian and she never really thinks about it like once she asked why she looked different but we just told her that she has to mommy's , one from blood and one from heart.  its not really a big deal 2 her cuz we dont make it one.  ( she's 7)

Answer 5

My sister in law was adopted at birth and she is a different race than the rest of her family, she doesn't resent this fact now and she isn't looked at as any different in the family.  I think this is a wonderful thing, there are so many children who need a loving family.  Thank you for being a great person!

Answer 6

Well, i am a adopted, i am hispanic. i have had no problems, excepted in school some of the other hispanic people didnt like me because they thought i was trying to be a white girl because i was raised by a white family. And on the other hand most of hispanic people loved me because once they got to know they found out that i was a very nice person..i think i would be a great idea to adopt a child of another race.

Answer 7

Great idea, go for it if you still feel like it in a couple of years. We (white) adopted a girl from China and right nowthere are no issues. She is only 3 now but we are in association for parents with children from China with regular activities. So while she grows up she sees lots more girls just like her with parents of a different race and we hope (are sure actually) that she will have others to relate to.  Try to find out if something like this is available where you live or you can search for other parents like you.

You might get looks from strangers or the odd question if he/she is really yours due to the obvious difference in appearance, but that too passes .

Good luck to you.

Answer 8

In the United States, ANY reasonably health infant would not have a difficult time finding a family, including African American babies. There are already many families waiting to adopt who are open to adopt a child of any race.

The children who are "waiting" in the US are usually older (8yrs +), in sibling groups, or have some special needs. There are more younger children available internationally, but again there are many people hoping to adopt internationally as well.

As an adoptive parent I definetly encourage you to follow your heart and build your family how ever you feel is best, I just wanted to clear up the common misconception that there are many African American infants who have a hard time getting adopted because of their race.

Answer 9

No problems I see except the ones that the child might have growing up. Other African-Americans might be mean to the child for not being true to the race and being (for lack of a better word) "ghetto". Besides that, you might get criticized by other white parents or white people in general.

Answer 10

As long as you love the child, you shouldn't have any problems other than the usual ones of parenting.  You have to realize that you may get a child that's a handful -- but you could also get one that's unbelievable sweet.  Of course, that happens when you have your own kid anyways.

The only issue you will have to explain is the adoption, and make the child feel good that you loved him and picked him.

If you plan on adoption, I would adopt all your kids rather than have some of your own, or if you do have a mix, have your own kids be the older ones.  That way, they will not feel any less loved.  (If he -or she- is the oldest, he'll feel because him,  you decided adoption was a bad idea.)

Good luck, you're doing a wonderful thing. =]

Answer 11

why it gotta be a black baby? im offended...there are some unwanted white babies out there you know and not ALL black babies are unwanted

Answer 12

that's great that you're thinking of doing that.

If you link out to the "antiracist adoption site," take it with a grain of salt. My first thought about that is two (non related, don't know eachother) families where the white wife had a one night stand with an African American man and they both have children resulting from that encounter. One married a white man, the other married an adopted Korean man. Neither child is in any way, shape, or form involved in biological father's family, life, extended family, or anything. The one being raised by two white people seldomly, if ever, interacts with other Blacks.

We're a white couple. My godchildren are Black. My goddaughter prefers to stay with us during the school year because the school is better here, and our house is much quieter than hers. That is her choice. We don't force her to be here. She chooses to be raised by white people. We're intending on adopting older kids, possibly teenagers. We are not concerned about race. I'm not interested in a baby unless it comes out of my body.  

If you do adopt a black child, respect and celebrate the differences. Do not send him/her to an all white school; make sure there is a good representation of "kids who look like him/her." Don't push culture on the child, but expose him or her to it, and let him/her choose. Most people are curious about their background. Let him/her know you're open to help him/her learn without forcing.

At the end of the day though, people are people. It's what's on the inside that counts. Some of my most precious memories of last school year were reading with my goddaughter out of a book I got for us that we always got sidetracked from. Children are God's precious creation.

Answer 13

a black baby needs black parents....

Answer 14

that would be nice i think you should do it

Answer 15

you should be proud of what you plan to do,there will be things that will arise as the child gets older,but if they grow up with you,they will know you as their mum and thats all that matters god bless you