| Although existing literature has explored adoption, and more specifically transracial (TRA) and intercountry (ICA) adoption, there is a poverty of research addressing the experiences of TRA/ICA parents. The primary research question posed in this study was, What is the lived experience of White Northern American parents who have adopted young Black children from Africa? Secondary questions were as follows: 1. How will White Northern American parents describe their process and preparation for becoming a TRA family? 2. How will they describe their family post-adoption (currently and in the future)? 3. What, if any, role would they say cultural competency plays when considering their child's ethnic identity development and their TRA family? 4. What, if any, recommendations would they have for both parents considering TRA and agencies?;This study utilized a qualitative approach, specifically semistructured interviews, to obtain and analyze data. Participants were recruited through an adoption agency in Hawaii, an affiliated TRA playgroup, and social media postings. Seven participants represented five TRA/ICA families. All participants identified as White and had adopted Black children from Africa, ranging in age from 4 to 5 years at the time of the interviews. Thematic analysis yielded 10 primary themes under four categories: Pre-adoption (three themes): concerns expressed about domestic adoption, comfort with adoption, and desire to build or grow a family; Post-adoption (three themes): awareness of being a conspicuous family, sense of belonging, and parents' hopes for their children; Emerging Cultural Competency (two themes): paying attention to multiculturalism and racial identification and increased self-awareness. Recommendations (two themes): activities suggested for families and activities suggested for agencies. Implications for those who may be considering TRA, as well as agencies and providers, are discussed. |
