When a couple specifies the race of the child they’d like to adopt, they’re in for a suddenly much longer waiting period. That’s because in 2013, only 21% of kids adopted were African-American. 47% were Caucasian. Couples who decide to foster within their race may not be practicing prejudice. It could be that they feel ill-prepared to foster a child who goes through different racial experiences than they do. On the other side of the coin, there are couples who believe fostering a different-race child will offer no challenges. That’s where the danger lies. At Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, we encourage couples to build their families with as many colors as they desire. But we want them to be informed.
Acknowledge Your Privilege
If you’re fostering a child of a different race, do not adopt the “color blind” mentality. Your foster child is going to face obstacles you don’t, even if you’re a person of a different color. Your Hispanic teenage girl has different challenges than your Southeast Asian third grader. If you don’t acknowledge racism, your foster children will keep the injustices they may be facing at school, church, and their neighborhood to themselves.
Have an Open Dialogue
Do not be afraid of talking with your children about race. Allow them to share the issues they’ve faced regarding their race. Take that time to listen quietly. This isn’t an invitation to debate. Sheltering your foster children from the news and refusing to talk about race will not stop racism from happening to them. If you have foster kids of different races, allow these conversations to happen as a family.
Be on Their Side
When your foster child tells you about racism they’re experiencing, do not assume it’s “kids being kids.” Any act of racism towards your child needs to be investigated and taken seriously. Make sure your child understands that what they went through is not their fault, especially if it was from another family member. If you’re fostering a Brown or Black male who is of driving age, it’s important to let them know that prejudiced police officers do exist, and you’re on your child’s side.
What You Can Do
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is dedicated to providing foster children the sources they need to succeed. When you make a donation towards AFFCF, you gift them with the same resources and opportunities as every other kid.