Speakers Discuss Interracial Adoption
The Family Law Student Society hosted Sarah Sargent and Shirlon Douglas-Harris from Kansas Children's Service League (KCSL) on Monday, Febuary 28, 2005. They spoke with students about interracial adoption.
The discussion focused on the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA), amended in 1996 by the Interethnic Placement Act (IEP), and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and how the laws affect the placement of children in the United States. MEPA-IEP states that "race, color, and national origin cannot be routinely considered in foster care and adoptive placements." Therefore, a Caucasian family is allowed to adopt an African American child. However, MEPA did not do anything to change the perceptions and attitudes of potential adoptive parents. Additional discussion focused on the large number of African American children currently awaiting placement and steps that can be taken to alleviate the situation.
Story contributed by Kelly Driscoll.
