I Am a Black Adoptee of White Parents: What George Floyd Taught Me About Race and Adoption

Abstract

This analysis highlights the history of policies in the U.S. child welfare system that have led to racial disproportionalities within the child welfare system for Black children and families, and how adoption centered organizations frame issues surrounding racial disproportionalities today. The death of George Floyd in 2020, a catalyst for heightened discussions around race and adoption within adoption centered organizations, is analyzed as it relates to the role adoption centered organizations play in reducing racial disparities within the child welfare system. The analysis finds that despite heightened emphasis on the importance of race in 2020, adoption centered organizations downplayed their own role in addressing, and contributing to racial disproportionately in the child welfare system. In addressing current challenges, the analysis concludes that reducing racial disproportionalities in the system must come from advocating for legislation that incentivize family reunification and open adoptions, along with upending existing policies and practices that have been shown to negatively affect Black families.