- Race Education
Child Mind Institute: “Trauma & Grief”
This webpage features countless articles about the basics of recognizing and addressing trauma in children. It includes topics like the effects, causes, and treatments of trauma and grief. It also includes some common traumatic diagnoses and how trauma affects children in academic settings.
- Race Education
Today: “What Black adoptees want white parents to know about transracial adoption”
This article features the voices of Black adults who were adopted by white families. The adoptees share their perspectives on identity, culture, and their sense of belonging.
- Race Education
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): “I Am a Parent or Caregiver”
The NMAAHC’s purpose is to help children understand what race is, how it operates in society, and why it’s important (particularly in the US). This article is specifically for parents and caregivers who want their child(ren) to form a healthy racial identity, learn how to support complex racial problems in children, and speak out against racial inequity.
- Race Education
Resilience – “Reading and RES: Parent Tip Tool: Choosing and Using Books to Discuss Race and Ethnicity”
This brief article explains how reading books with your child is a key way to start and continue conversations about race and ethnicity. It also discusses why books are a good medium, the importance of conversations about race, and tips for how to choose appropriate books for your child.
- Race Education
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Talking to Children About Racial Bias”
This article explains how children learn racial bias, strategies to help children deal with these biases, and how parents can confront their own racial biases. The article also features tips for talking about racism and racial differences by age (preschool, grade school, etc.) and additional resources about discrimination.
- Race Education
RESilience – Engaging My Child: “Parent Tip Tool: Uplifting Families Through Healthy Communication About Race”
This is a brief parent tip tool that explains what RES (racial and ethnic socialization)is, who participates in RES, and suggestions for engaging in RES.
- LGBTQ+
Movement Advancement Project (MAP): “Child Welfare Nondiscrimination Laws”
This is a map of child welfare nondiscrimination laws in the United States. You can click on it by state and it will provide quick facts as well as laws and policies. These policies concern foster care, adoption, second and stepparents, and LGBTQ youth in child welfare. This can be used for anyone in the United States who are looking to foster or adopt and is curious to know about the laws of certain states.
- LGBTQ+
Creating a Family: “Tips for Raising an LGBTQ Foster or Adopted Child”
This website provides ten tips on raising LGBTQ foster or adopted kids, such as using your child’s preferred pronouns, using gender-neutral language, and letting them know you are willing to listen and talk about anything. This is a great resource for adoptive or foster parents of LGBTQ children.
- LGBTQ+
healthychildren.org: “Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens”
From Healthy Children. Org, this article will most apply to and benefit parents who have LGBTQ+ teens. The article gives explanations and tips to common questions. It also gives recommendations on what parents and families can do, along with more resources that are linked.
- LGBTQ+
Planned Parenthood: “What should I teach my high school-aged teen about identity?”
From Planned Parenthood, this source will most apply to and benefit the parents who want to teach their teenage children about identity. The source gives detailed explanations surrounding questions based on sexuality, safety, relationships, and more. Tips and additional resources are also included.
- LGBTQ+
Rise Magazine: “Resources for LGBTQ Parents and Parents of LGBTQ Children and Youth”
From Rise Magazine, this article will most apply to and benefit the parents who are either LGBTQ+ or have LGBTQ+ children. The article explains the importance of acceptance and provides a list of resources
- LGBTQ+
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Tips for Parents of LGBTQ Youth”
From John Hopkins, this article will most apply to and benefit the parents who have LGBTQ+ children. In the article, Johns Hopkins pediatrics and adolescent medicine specialists share tips on how to provide support to LGBTQ+ children. The article also provides additional resources.
- LGBTQ+
The Trevor Project: “Behaviors of Supportive Parents and Caregivers for LGBTQ Youth”
From the Trevor Project, this article will most apply to and benefit the parents who have LGBTQ+ children. In the article it explores the behaviors of supportive parents and caregivers for LGBTQ youth and explains that supportive behaviors are associated with lower suicide risk among LGBTQ kids.
- LGBTQ+
University of Michigan Center for Sexuality & Health Disparities: “All About Gender”
From Henry Ford, this guide can apply to and most benefit parents who have transgender, questioning, gender expansive, gender nonconforming, or non-binary kids. The guide explains terms, answers common questions, addresses transitioning, and gives additional resources
- LGBTQ+
PA Parent an Family Alliance
The PA Parent and Family Alliance LGBTQ+ Tip Sheet is a great resource that can most apply to and benefit parents who have a LGBTQ+ child. The guide goes over tips on what to do immediately following your child coming out, how to use terminology, and some reputable resources to continue your research.
- Mental Health
Medical News Today: “8 of the best online therapy programs for kids”
From Medical News Today, this article can most apply to and benefit parents who are interested in learning about therapy for their children. This article covers some different types of child therapy and child therapy techniques, how to know if a child needs therapy, how to explain therapy to a child, how to find a child therapist, child therapy costs and options, and more.
- Mental Health
Nemours Children’s Health: “Taking Your Child to a Therapist”
From KidsHealth, this article can most apply to and benefit parents who are interested in learning about therapy for their children. In this article you can learn what therapy is, what problems they help with, how it works, and can answer other popular questions related to therapy for children.
- Mental Health
William James College: “Guide for Parents of Asian/Asian American Adolescents”
From William James College Center of Excellence for Multicultural and Global Mental Health (CMGMH), this guide will most apply to and benefit parents of Asian/Asian American Adolescents. The guide and accompanying video is available in six languages. The guide covers the history of Asian-American Discrimination in the U.S, history of Asians fighting discrimination, why it’s important to talk about it, how to talk about it, and further resources.
- Medical Needs
NCFA: “A Guide to Adoption Subsidies and Assistance for Adoptive Parents”
This article discusses subsidies that provide additional support for adoptees and their families. It explains what they are, who provides the, who is eligible, the process, and tips for the process.
- Medical Needs
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Adoption and Guardianship Assistance by State”
This article answers the questions “Does your State provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under your State medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance?” It proceeds with a state by state breakdown of whether or not each state does.
- Medical Needs
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Parenting Your Child With Developmental Delays and Disabilities”
A basic overview on identifying a disability in children, the first steps parents can take to address their child’s needs, and strategies for parenting.
- Community Connection
Adoption Network: “How to Find Support Groups for Adoptive Parents”
This article explains the benefits of parent support groups for parents of adoptees. It includes a section on single parents as well as on couples, and provides a few starting links for those looking.
- Medical Needs
Gladney Center for Adoption: “How We Decided Which Special Needs Boxes to Check on Our Preference Checklist”
This article by an adoptive mother talks about considerations that go into the preference checklist adoptive parents complete. She gives advice on how to not feel overwhelmed while approaching this initial list in sections.
- Medical Needs
Medical Home Portal: “Adoption of Children with Special Needs”
An article covering general preparation advice for parents adopting a child with special needs. It covers adoption of children with special needs, getting ready for adoption, choosing an adoption agency, the outline of the adoption process, and a resource section.
- Medical Needs
Gladney Center for Adoption: “Special Needs Adoption Guide: What you need to know when considering special needs adoption”
An article on what parents need to know when it comes to special needs adoption. Different sections explain what special needs adoption is, the medical conditions checklist, having a file reviewed, setting up your support system, facing reality upon arriving home, navigating the medical system, and more.
- Medical Needs
U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs: “Health Considerations”
An article by the U.S Department of State-Bureau of consular affairs. It establishes the difference between convention adoption requirements which normally have an Article 16 requirement, and non-convention requirements. It also establishes reasonable expectations for accredited adoption service providers and visa requirements for a medical examination.
- Medical Needs
CDC: “International Adoption”
A CDC article on vaccinations and disease for parents seeking to adopt internationally. It gives recommendations and information for before overseas travel, the overseas medical examination process, vaccinations, finding a medical provider in the U.S, Class A Conditions, and the Waiver Process.
- Medical Needs
lowcosthealthinsurance.com: “Will my health insurance cover an adopted child?”
This article explains how health insurance works with adopted children. It states most insurance plans covering biological children must cover adopted children; however, it cautions some exceptions exist. It also discusses these exceptions and what parents can do to ensure their child is covered with either Medicaid or through other ways.
- Medical Needs
U.S. Department of Labor: “Protections for Newborns, Adopted Children, and New Parents…The Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act of 1996”
An article by the US Department of Labor on protections for newborns, adopted children, and new parents in the context of a health protection act passed in 1996. It explains how the healthcare operates in relation to adoption and the different technicalities involved in securing health surance when adopting.
- Trainings
Gladney Center for Adoption: “Why Are Foster Care and Adoption Training Required?”
This article explains why foster care and adoption training is required. It discusses pre-service training, foster parent in-service training, post-adoption training, kinship-specific training, and more. The author also provides general advice about learning through parenting experience and how it is a journey.
- Medical Needs
Gladney Center for Adoption: “Adopting a Child With Special Needs and Disabilities”
This article discusses considerations potential parents must evaluate prior to adopting a child with special needs and/or disabilities. Subsections include understanding children with special needs and disabilities, what must be done before adopting a child with special needs, choosing an adoption agency, and more.
- Race Education
The Seattle Times: “Adoption across races: ‘I know my parents love me, but they don’t love my people’”
“Adoptee Angela Tucker discusses how she felt like a racial impostor growing up. She explains that she may have looked Black, but didn’t feel that way.”
- Media
NCFA: “Talking to Adopted Children About Birth Parents and Families of Origin: How to Answer the ‘Hard Questions'”
Things adoptive parents should know relating to discussion about an adoptees birth family. The author argues adoptive parents must be open to discussing these things.
- Media
NCFA: “The Impact of Adoption on Teen Identity Formation”
This article explores the ways in which adoption can affect adolescents’ formation of identity.
- Media
NCFA: “Positive Practices in Transracial Adoption Parenting”
“In the article, an adoptee suggests parents bring up the topic of adoption first and work with their children to understand their feelings.”
- Media
Adoption Network: “Understand Your Adopted Child”
“This article explains how adoptees have felt loss and experienced trauma. Every adoptee experiences things differently, and this author brings their own perspective.”
- Media
NCFA: “Being a Birth Mom Changed the Way I Parent”
A birth mom reflects on giving up her first daughter to adoption, and giving birth to two children after.
- Media
NCFA: “What You Should Know About Choosing Adoption”
“This article has short drop down answers to FAQs relating to questions birth parents and parents looking to adopt may have about adoption.”
- Media
Creating a Family: “Helping Your Adopted Child Handle Adoption Microaggressions”
“Short article that identifies different variations of microaggressions that are particular to adoption. It also teaches strategies to instill confidence and coping strategies for children when handling microaggressions.”
- Media
NCFA: “Is Anyone Out There?: Finding Support as a Birth Mother”
“A first person perspective from a birth mother on adoption, loss, and finding support after birth.
She explains the loss felt after placing her child for adoption, and how she found support by speaking with another mom experiencing the same feelings.”
- Race Education
Adoptive Families: “How to Be an Anti-Racist Adoptive Parent”
An article on how to actively challenge racism and discuss privilege, especially in the context of a multiracial family.
- Racial Identity
NBC News: “All-American, with one foot in China”
A short article perspective on the need for adoptive parents to educate their Chinese adopted daughters about racism, identity, and the reality of life in America.
- Media
NPR: “A Mother Reflects On Privilege, Adoption And Parenting ‘Without Perfection'”
“NPR 37 minute listen as a white mom reflects on her life raising two adopted Black children and two biological white children, and how she became aware of her own white privilege. She also has a blog called Rage Against the Minivan.”
- Media
American Adoptions: “4 Unique Challenges Faced By Transracial Adoptees”
“An article on American Adoptions that examines 4 challenges that many adoptees will have to face (also included in race education).”
- Media
Adoption Associates: “Openness in Adoption”
“A short article offering suggestions mainly to prospective adoptive parents, but also current adoptive parents. It includes topics such as birth families, the search and reunion process, and maintaining openness.”
- Racial Identity
HuffPost: “10 Things Adoptees Want You to Know”
“An article written by an adoptee on the 10 things adoptees want you to know. While 10 things does not cover everything, the author touches on many relevant aspects and experiences that adoptees have.
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- Racial Identity
Children’s Bureau: “Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Adoptive Families”
A PDF created by the Children’s Bureau and Child Welfare Information Gateway that explains relevant things adoptive parents should know, especially concerning transracial or culturally diverse adoptions.
- Racial Identity
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Adoption by Family Type: Racially and Culturally Diverse Families”
“Landing page by Child Welfare Information Gateway with links to resources for adoptive parents looking for information on racially and culturally diverse adoptions.
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- Media
American Adoptions NEWS: “25 Helpful Resources for Transracial Adoptive Families”
A resource page with links to transracial adoption blogs and websites, books, FB groups, and more.
- Media
NPR: “White Kid, Black Family: Transracial Adoption”
“A Black father speaks about his and his family’s experience raising a white girl and transracial adoption.”
- Media
Rudd Adoption Research Program UMASS Amherst: “Promoting Adoptees’ Well-Being in Transracial Adoptive Families”
“An article with parenting suggestions designed to support and uplift transracially adopted children. It also contains a useful bibliography which features even more resources.”
- Race Education
NCFA: “The Adoptive Parent’s Responsibility when Parenting a Child of a Different Race”
“An article by the National Council for Adoption on the different ways adoptive parents can and need to support their children. This specifically discusses the issues, privileges, and challenges of adopting a child of a different race.
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- Racial Identity
NPR: “The Parenting Dilemmas Of Transracial Adoption”
“This article touches on color blind parenting and how parents must acknowledge we don’t live in a colorblind society. It is a 37 minute listen on NPR and a short summary is provided.
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- Media
The New York Times: “IDENTITY: When Parents Adopt a Child and a Whole Other Culture”
A New York Times article on how adoptee identity is a complex issue that is unique for each adoptee. It discusses how parents are not only adopting a child, but also their child’s culture.
