Transracial Families: Building Positive Racial Identity

A one-day virtual event for parents, professionals, and those considering transracial placement

On March 24, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm central time, NACAC will present a virtual conference on transracial families for parents and professionals.
Transracial Families: Building Positive Racial Identity features the following sessions:

Historical Racism in Child Welfare: How History Informs the Present with J. Toni Oliver, retired child welfare professional/consultant — In this session, attendees will learn about the beginnings of the child welfare system from a racial lens, including how the system has affected Black and Indigenous families and children. Then the presenter will cover how professionals and parents can change systems and address institutional racism.

Affirming Children's Identities with Nathan Ross, North American Council on Adoptable Children/transracial adoptee — In this session, attendees will learn practical ways to incorporate multicultural-affirming strategies into child welfare practice and parenting. While we continue to learn about the importance of establishing healthy racial and cultural identities for children, finding solutions that can be infused into everyday interactions can be challenging. Combining best practice approaches with real stories of identity formation, this session helps attendees understand the intricacies of working with children through a multicultural-affirming lens by highlighting lessons learned and offering tips that participants can use immediately.

First, Do No Harm: Raising Children in Transracial Families to Be Strong and Resilient with Julie Martindale, transracial adoptive parent — Building a healthy, thriving transracial family takes education, values training, and support from the whole village. Explore the lessons learned by one transracial family as they made mistakes and celebrated successes along the way. Hear practical tips and helpful advice that have stood the test of time.

Facilitated Discussion — Join an open discussion moderated Nathan Ross and Julie Martindale to share your questions, ideas, and suggestions with other attendees.

Registration is $50 per person (or couple viewing sessions together) for NACAC members or $60 for non-members. Attendees can participate live or listen to a recorded version of workshops.

If you can't attend live, recordings will be available through May 31.