workshop
The Intersection of Transracial Adoption & Racial (in)Justice
This is multi-day workshop designed for adoption agencies (staff and families), child-welfare organizations and conferences. This workshop is offered both virtually or in person.
session type:
in-person
duration:
3 days
Transracial caregiving is a multifaceted journey for the entire family, but it is often the child who bears the brunt of navigating the complexity of the experience. It is critical that caregivers and parents understand the history of why children of color are over-represented in child-welfare in order to avoid perpetuating racism and to instead embrace an anti-racist outlook to support the health and wellbeing of transracial adoptees and/or transracial foster youth. This workshop will provide a window into the nuanced first-hand narratives of adoptees through videos, anonymized case studies and Angela’s personal stories. This interactive workshop will leave you thinking about the role transracial adoption plays in our quest for racial justice in America.
Workshop Structure
History of race in child-welfare within the United States (Laws & Definitions), American Racial Norms & Implicit Biases, Transracial adoptee identity.
Role-play interrupting adoption-related microaggressions in small groups. Angela provides structure and strategies.
Facilitated Discussion between Angela and a transracial adoptee panel. Question & answer session offered. All panelists are paid for their time and expertise.
Explain the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act.
Understand adoptee-centric terminology.
Recognize American racial norms.
Discuss the NABSW 1972 Transracial Adoption Position Statement.
Identify microaggression themes in transracial adoptive families.
Differentiate between intent and impact of microaggressions.
Develop strategies to address microaggressions.
Increase awareness of racism, biases, and colorism.
- Megan Pleshek, LMSW