Current Transracial Adoption Practices: Racial Dissonance or Racial Awareness?

The present study evaluated seven agencies in four major metropolitan areas to ascertain if their transracial adoption programs included placing children at an early age and evaluating and educating parents on issues of racial awareness as has been recommended by previous researchers. These agencies were attempting to place transracial adoptees before their first birthday and were evaluating prospective adopters' ability to accept and live with racial differences. In general, agencies did not provide adequate literature on racial awareness, training sessions or support systems, and they did not encourage families to live in integrated neighborhoods. Recommendations for program improvements are discussed.