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Supporting a positive racial identity for BIPOC children in transracial placements: a discussion guide

This guide is designed to help parent group leaders facilitate discussions with white parents about supporting a positive racial identity for Black, Indigenous, and other children of color in transracial placements.

  • Part 1: Setting the stage
  • Part 2: Understanding white privilege
  • Part 3: Racial identity work in action

At the end of the guide, you’ll find five pages of helpful transracial parenting resources.

Published: 2022

Is your group ready for this discussion?

Conversations of race and racism are complex, emotional, and can be quite challenging if your group is not ready to engage in them. It may be helpful to ask the following readiness questions of yourself and your group before engaging in this conversation:

  • Do all group members agree that race has real effects on people’s experiences and opportunities?
  • Do all members agree that a “colorblind” approach to race is problematic?
  • Do members understand that children have a right to experience their racial and ethnic heritages and cultures?
  • Do members understand that children need adult role models of their race and ethnicity to help develop a positive sense of self?

If there is disagreement about any of the above, we recommend that you and your group engage in anti-racism education before having this discussion or using this discussion guide. Consider getting started with this reading list from National Public Radio or engaging a trainer on anti-racism.

View the discussion guide

Supporting a Positive Racial Identity for Black, Indigenous, and Other Children of Color in Transracial Placements with White Parents (2.27 MB PDF)

Related resource

Discussing racial identity in support groups [free recorded webinar]

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Cultural competence  Family support strategies  Parent groups  Support families  Tool