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I've posted this same response on the transracial forum. I'm posting it again here.
Ohhh, I think this could be a very scary trend.
I completely agree that ALL families, wanting to adopt across racial lines, should have to undergo more training. I think this is essential to having a healthier family. BUT...if it has to be conducted, I also think that training should be done by more than just the foster care system.
The foster care system is NOTORIOUS for poor trainings in many ways. (not all ways...but too many). Also, who's to decide (based on one group doing the training) WHAT'S the more important stuff to educate famlies on? There're a LOT of misconceptions to transracial families and what's really important...so I know I sure wouldnt' want to depend on just one group doing the training here, KWIM?
Next, some of you may not remember....but back in the 70's (or sooner?).....one group (and I believe it was one of the groups who's recommending this) was ridiculously adamant that only AA families should be allowed to adopt AA babies. They felt anything other than that, meant the CC folks were committing 'cultural genocide' to the AA race.
I sure don't want to go back to that way of thinking in any way. Certainly, there are families who promote 'color-blindness' in raising their children of color. (I've seen and known of a few.) BUT.......there are also a lot of families who shouldn't be adopting children with behavioral disorders, or any other consideration....and the foster care system has allowed them to adopt, too. None of those situations are correct, but let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I think there ARE agencies....even today, who choose to place any children of color, with only families of color...though those agencies deny this practice....it's only a smoke screen to say 'they're waiting for the right family'...when sometimes, it's only because of color.
Do I think families need to be more educated. Absolutely.
Do I think some agencies place AA babies in families who'd really prefer a CC baby...given the chance to do so? Sure do...and I find that sickening.
But, anytime there's a sweeping generalization and policy is tailored to that generalization...there's too often a bigger problem than there was in the first place.
In that case, it's the children who'll suffer...while the adults will feel better about it. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........
I hope this isn't a signal for what's to come...
Sincerely,
Linny
PS....Momma to two Asian babies...now grown and on their own....and three AA babies...still at home. (Everyone was adopted.)
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