In this course, we interview Dr. Gina Samuels, a Professor at University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and affiliated with the Center of Race, Politics, and Culture. She is a long-time researcher on transracial adoption and an adult transracial adoptee.    

This course covers the following topics:

  • Why consider transracial adoption?
  • We think in terms of transracial adoption being white families adopting black children, but it can be much broader than that - Asian, Latino, black families adopting white children, etc.
  • Some families prefer to adopt a mixed-race child rather than a full African American child. What are the issues to consider?
  • Are there different issues depending on the race of the child you adopt?
  • Is there a difference between transracial and transcultural adoption?
  • What does it take to be able to raise a child to have a healthy self and racial identity. How do they differ?
  • What are some of the issues parents should think about to determine if they are a family that should adopt across racial or ethnic lines?
  • What should parents be prepared to do in order to help their children develop a healthy sense of self?
  • How to find role models that racially mirror your child?
  • Research on how transracially adopted children are doing.
  • Adoption is a family affair, so how should prospective adoptive parents prepare their extended family members for the adoption of a child of a different race or culture?
  • What to do if you have someone in your family that you fear will not be accepting or will not treat your child fairly.
  • What are some issues that may come up with open adoption when adopting across racial lines?
  • Preparation for transracial adoption goes beyond hair care, but hair and skincare are important. What should parents know?


  • $20.00

    Should You Consider Adopting a Child of a Different Race or Ethnicity?

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This course aligns with the following regulatory requirements.

Hague Treaty on Intercountry Adoption*

 96.48 (b)(7)

*Important Information for agencies on Hague Training Requirements

Virginia Compliance



*Important Information for agencies on Virginia core competencies.

Illinois Licensing Standard §401.520

*Important Information for agencies on Illinois Adoption Requirements.