A tribal Indian who was adopted by a white family when she was two, Susan Harness felt compelled to explore her experience. The result of this feeling was a masters thesis titled "Mixing Cultural Identities Through Transracial Adoption: Outcomes of the Indian Adoption Project."

In a review that was posted on the website of Mellen Press, Prof Fiona Nicoll of the University of Queensland (Australia) described Harness' thesis in the following terms:

In this rigorously researched and lucidly written book, Susan Harness addresses issues of historical and contemporary importance and scope.

Unlike existing psychological and sociological studies which have often approached the subjects of trans-racial adoption as victims of various pathologies, this is a pioneering cultural anthropological study of how American Indian adoptees negotiate complex issues of belonging and exclusion.

Harness's thesis is available in book form from Mellen Press.

Labels: cultures

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Once every four years, they gather at the base of Mt. Hood in the small town of Welches, Oregon, for a family reunion. But this group of 245 people from 71 families isn't related by blood; rather, they've all adopted children from the Yangchun Orphanage in China.

"The first adoptions from the Yangchun Orphanage took place in 1995. The orphanage has since undergone some changes. When [Kelly] Kneeland went to pick up [her daughter] Grace in 2001, there were about 120 babies and only 12 caregivers... Today, the orphanage has about one caregiver for every four babies."

At the reunion, the children are given matching T-shirts and enjoy games, crafts, and other activities. Parents can attend adoption- and culture-related classes. The group is hoping to hold it's 2012 reunion in the place where it all started - the Yangchun Orphanage. Source: PNW Local News

Labels: families, cultures, reunions

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A common question among parents who adopt internationally is whether or not to help their adopted child maintain their native language while also learning English. Often, parents are motivated by a desire to help their adopted child retain a sense of her heritage.

"For most adoptive families the preservation of the first language is not a major priority: on arrival, the main concerns are about learning English, the child's health, attachment, initial adjustment, education, and remediation (if needed). There is no place here for preserving native language as the first-order priority."

Trying to maintain the native language while learning English can be confusing for a child. Some parents consider hiring a native-speaking tutor, but that can cause attachment issues as the child begins to rely on the tutor. Most experts agree that it's best to help an adopted child learn English, and then revisit their native language when they're older and better adjusted. Read more at ADoptionArticlesDirectory.com.

Labels: international, cultures, languages

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A family, who recently completed the adoption process and returned from the Ukraine with a new addition to their family, has created a blog where they bust some of the myths about adoption in general and, more specifically, about adoption in the Ukraine.

"Despite reading and talking with others about the adoption process, I still did not understand correctly about the wait after the court hearing... Once the paperwork is submitted to the judge, a court date will be set (likely for 10 days past submission)... The judge makes a ruling on the court date, but the child will not be allowed to leave the orphanage for another 10 days... "

The family also offers insight into the country's culture, the environment in the orphanages they visited, and the conditions of the hotels in which they stayed. Read more at TravelPod.com

Labels: cultures, myths, European

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A new study is being conducted through the Sociology Department at Brigham Young University to research the experiences of families who adopt children of a different race. By studying their experiences, the research team hopes to develop recommendations for helping (in particular) white parents who adopt black babies.

"[Dr. Cardell] Jacobson has found that parents who research black culture and history may be better equipped to help socialize their black children. According to Jacobson, one of the main questions that parents considering interracial adoption should consider is whether or not they have the skills as a white parent to help their child deal with racism."

Jacobson also suggests that parents considering interracial adoption find an adoption agency that works to educate parents on the unique issues that interracial families can face. Those interested in participating in the study can go to www.racialadoptionstudy.com.

Labels: cultures, interracial, studies

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A festival in Reno, Nevada will give adopted Asian children the opportunity to experience the culture of their birthplace. Attendees will celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival, which is considered one of the most important of the traditional Chinese festivals.

"The children also will make lanterns and listen to the story of 'Change E and Hou Yi', which is a common legend about the origin of the mid-autumn festival that often doubles as a family reunion. Dozens of families who have adopted children from Asia, mostly daughters from China, are putting on the event."

Organizers also believe that it's important for the families to be able to interact with other interracial families like themselves.

Labels: cultures, interracial, traditions

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Cross-cultural and international adoptions have increased dramatically over the last several years. An estimated 20,000 children are adopted each year from places like China, Russia, and Guatemala. Once the adoption process is complete, the next challenge for these families is learning how to integrate different cultures into the familial DNA.

"'They need to understand that race and ethnicity still matter,' [Judy] Stigger says. 'Love is not going to be enough. Where your child came from is part of them, whether that's a neighborhood in Chicago or an orphanage in China.'"

Stigger has experienced this first-hand as she's raised her adopted daughter Kathy, an African-American. Having friends with similar ethnic backgrounds, celebrating ethnic or culture-specific holidays, and learning some of the language if the adopted child is from a foreign country are all ways to help the child understand and appreciate where shes from and help the family become truly multiracial. Read more at SunTimes.com.

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Labels: international, parenting, cultures

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Cooper, his mother Anne, and his grandmother Mary represent three generation of adoption in a single family. Author and adoption expert Adam Pertman says their story represents what he calls the "adoption revolution".

"Cultural changes, such as the availability of birth control, legalization of abortion and decline in stigma associated with unwed motherhood, have caused a dramatic drop in the number of U.S. infants available for adoption. At the same time, government regulations encouraging permanent placement of children 'languishing' in foster care, the fall of the Berlin Wall and China's one-child policy have opened up adoptions for foreign children and older children in the United States."

One of the most dramatic cultural shifts where adoption is concerned is the openness with which it's now talked about. When Mary was growing up in the 40s and 50s, she knew she was adopted but also knew she shouldn't say anything - to anyone. Today, young Cooper will not only have the freedom to tell people, but can also tell them the name of his birth mother. Read more at DelmarvaNow.com.

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Labels: communication, cultures

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On the University of Georgia  Athens campus, a group has begun mentoring Asian adoptees, helping them learn and understand more about the countries in which they were born. The Asian Children Mentoring Program (ACMP) pairs an Asian university student with an adopted child from a local Athens family.

"In addition to providing mentors, the organization sponsors one community-based cultural event for the children each semester. Last semester, the organization sponsored an Autumn Moon Festival including crafts, storytelling and traditional food for the children."

The ACMP currently has about 20 members, and became an official school organization in November of last year. Read more at RedandBlack.com.

Labels: mentors, adoptees, cultures

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