The Race Issue
In a brief article by Nina Shokraii, Nina gives the readers information on discrimination in adoption. Although it’s said that the adoption process varies in time from family to family, but in Nina’s recent research race has a big factor in the adoption process. White families are discriminated against when it comes to them trying to adopt minority children such as blacks or foreigners. Nina came to the conclusion of this matter because of the Mandel family. The Mandel’s were in care a foster child named Robyn who had harmful drugs in her system. The Mandel’s decided to give Robyn a permanent place in there home DSS refused because the Mandel’s were not ethnically matched with Robyn. The family decided to fight the system because if Robyn was being cared for in a proper home, why could she not be apart of their family? The Mandel’s won, but they were a blessed family and many other families will not be so lucky. The adoption laws are making race a factor in every way. Social workers and policymakers are trying to prevent interracial adoptions because they believe it will eventually cause cultural genocide. Cultural genocide is the destruction of ethnic or religious background.
Adopting outside the race
The adoption of a child outside of one’s race can become a difficult situation. Not because of the process of adopting, but because of the reaction of the society and family members. There are still many people who do not like that families become diverse. As some people see this as a positive act, others believe that adopting a child of a different race is wrong. It would not be fair to say that one culture will benefit a child more than another. However there are situations in which one family could be more beneficial to the child, than a family of his/her own race.
There are situations in which the child would not have any way to have a
better life unless he/she is adopted. It is of more importance the well-being
of the child, rather than the difference that the child would experience
when adopted. Once he/she is at an age of making their own decision, the
person may choose to experience the cultural aspect of his/her background.
Many times race is a factor of separation between people and entire societies.
However, the adoption of a child outside one’s race is a sign of love
and hope.
Before adults become adoptive parents for a child of a different race, they
should be sure of their decisions. The parents should think of all children
as equal children who need a family. Children hope for opportunities of
being adopted and they do not depend on their race to feel more special
than others. There should be love and affection ready for the new member
of the family, and no problems regarding the race of the child.