3 Tips for Interracial Adoption in Missouri

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we realize how scary an adoption process might seem from the outside looking in. We also understand the birth mother’s hesitations when choosing an adoptive family. When you think about it, you are choosing your child’s entire life before they are even born, and you can decide which family they are raised in. It is natural to be worried about your child’s future, and it is okay to be scared. All the emotions you might be feeling about adoption are reasonable, valid, and common. There are many types of adoption, and there are many ways that birth mothers go about doing their adoption. Each adoption plan is unique to the birth mother and is meant to serve in your best interest. Adoption has many routes, many possibilities, and many outcomes. When going through the adoption process, you will have to make very important decisions. One of those decisions is your child’s adoptive family. Like adoption, families can also come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. A family is a group of people that love and support one another unconditionally. With adoption, blood relation does not matter, it does not make a family. What makes a family is those you feel close to and those you can go to during hard times. Just like blood does not matter, race or ethnicity does not either. Interracial adoption is becoming increasingly popular, and it has proven to have a lot of benefits on adopted children. 

When Entering the Adoption Process Be Open-Minded

The best thing you can do as the birth mother is to have an open mind going into adoption in Missouri. Be open to every possibility and not shut something down just because it does not seem normal at first. You might be surprised at how well children flourish in interracial families and its benefits for their growth. Although it is important to think about what you want, and maybe you already know what you want for your child, keep an open mind so that you can still explore every other possibility.

Talk With Your Adoptive Family

This might sound like a straightforward and common sense kind of thing but talk with the family that could potentially be raising your child. If it is a family not of the same race or ethnic background as you, talk to them about their background. Discuss how their ethnicity will be present in the household and how they plan to raise your child. Do not be afraid to talk outside of your comfort zone because any adoptive family interested in your child will not be afraid to answer your questions. However, do not be pushy or blunt in the conversation. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions about the Adoption Process

This is the most important thing you can do and the best tip anyone can give you. Ask questions! Ask us at Adoption Choices of Missouri, ask your birth parent counselor, ask the adoptive family, ask anyone! You will never know what to do or handle a certain situation if you do not ask how to. at our local adoption agency, we do not expect you to go into the adoption process with all the answers and know how the entire process works. It is okay to be a little naive in this case. 

Interracial adoption is nothing short of scary. Adoption itself can be scary, but having your child placed with a family of a different culture than your own, it is understandable to worry about how their life might go. However, we do not want you to worry too much as there are many benefits to interracial adoption, and there are plenty to outweigh the cons. Your child would have the opportunity to grow up in a diverse household and have a stronger mindset. It is important to trust the process and to be open-minded along the way because anything can happen if you give it a chance. 

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Gabriella Dobson was born and raised in Ohio. She is currently a senior at Miami University majoring in professional writing with a focus in editing. She also minors in criminology and general business. She is a skilled barista and enjoys sipping her coffee with a good book in her hand. She is passionate about helping others and making a difference in the lives around her. With her involvement in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Women Helping Women, she is able to provide resources for those in need of support.