According to research, transracially adopted children may struggle with feeling “different” and experience challenges with developing a positive identity. It is not enough for caregivers to simply love and treat a child like their own without seeing the color of the child, understanding and validating the impact of race on the child and being intentionally about racial socialization.
Through the use of lecture, discussion and reflection opportunities, participants will evaluate the necessity in acknowledging the role that race plays in the experience of systemic oppression, marginalization, internalized oppression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Strategies to increase safety, break down barriers and practice humility will be presented as well as the use of racial socialization as a protective factor.
