Adoption is a loving option for many families, and transracial adoption is a significant part of that landscape. While specific numbers fluctuate, it is estimated that nearly 30 percent of adoptions in the United States involve children of a different race or ethnicity than their adoptive parents. “Those numbers underscore the importance of resources and support for families navigating the unique aspects of transracial adoption,” said Melani Engel, Director of Adoption Services for LFCS. “It’s a journey that requires understanding and openness to embrace the challenges and beauty of blending cultures.” To guide families considering or navigating transracial adoption, LFCS has created a checklist of what adoptive parents should know to help their child feel loved, accepted, and thrive in their care:

Cultural Awareness And Appreciation

Commit to continuous learning about and celebrating your child’s birth culture and heritage.

Normalize Your Child’s Culture At Home By Intentionally

Fill your home with toys, books, movies, and music that authentically reflect the child’s heritage.

Prioritize Cultural Experiences

Attend multicultural events, eat at ethnic restaurants, and shop from brands that support your child’s cultural community.

Seek Out Culturally Relevant Professionals.

When selecting hair stylists, medical providers, daycares, faith communities, schools, and extracurricular activities, prioritize those who share, understand, and/or value your child’s cultural background and can support cultural identity.

Build a Cultural Community.

Look for mentors who share your child’s cultural background and build friendships with families who share similar heritage as your child or who understand the nuances of transracial adoption.

Become An Expert In Your Child’s Care.

If your child’s hair needs special care or styling, dedicate time to learning from professionals or practicing with tutorial videos online.

Learn About Challenges Common To Your Child’s Cultural Community

Educate yourself about racism, discrimination, micro-aggressions, and other challenges your child may face as they grow older. Find age-appropriate ways to teach them how to respond when they experience negative comments or attitudes.

Look To The Birth Family For Cultural Support.

Nurturing a positive post-adoption relationship with the birth family can be a valuable source of information and connection to the child’s heritage

Seek Professional Help

LFCS offers a variety of adoption services for families. Consider expert guidance from our counselors and therapists.

The post Transracial Adoption Checklist: What Members Of The Adoption Triad Should Know first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

In November 2011, we completed our first home study and we were officially on the waiting list. Many involved thought that our wait would be relatively brief given our situation, but God had a very different idea.  In fact, our wait turned out to be nearly four years.

There were times during that four years that we wondered whether we had really heard from God. It gave us plenty of time to question whether we’d be able to love an adopted child the way we loved our biological children. At times, we almost obsessed over that thought.  But when you truly know what God has called you to do, you know that all you need to do is just wait on His timing.

It wasn’t easy and was emotional at times, but we knew He had something really amazing in the works if it was taking this long.  Although there was time to question things, the four years also gave our family time to be where we needed to be to be ready for a baby.  In hind sight we can see that.  Our biological children grew up a bit; 11 and 14 at the time of the adoption and very capable helpers.  We also got an opportunity to visit my sister and her family in Colorado (just two months before Caleb was born) which gave us time to bond as four before adding a baby.

We didn’t hear about Caleb until four days before he came into our family. We didn’t know he was ours until 23 hours before we met him. We have not met his birth parents; his birth mom has chosen a closed adoption.  This is hard for us.  We would love to meet her to thank her for loving Caleb enough to give him life and for making the best decision she could for him.  She is a brave woman.  We want so much to know that she has peace with her decision.

Caleb is crazy adorable, very active, and has facial expressions that will have you rolling on the floor. He is part of our family and is just perfect for our family, too.  He was meant to be with us…our family, church family, neighbors, and friends all agree.  Oh, and are we able to love him as much as we love our older children? Absolutely! We are eternally grateful we answered God’s call to adopt.

The post Answering God’s Call to Adopt first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.