In a society where representation shapes understanding and acceptance, Yes We Adopt, a nonprofit organization, emerges as a powerful voice in fostering and adoption advocacy for Black families in the United States. Founded by Stacey Gatlin, Yes We Adopt aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding adoption within the Black community, highlight the need for Black families in foster and adoptive care, and amplify the stories and needs of Black children and families in these systems. This organization emphasizes the importance of identity, history, and community for adoptees, particularly Black children, while advocating for families to foster an environment where every child knows their story and feels deeply rooted in their heritage.

The Need for Representation and Amplification

Yes We Adopt isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement to validate the experiences of Black adoptees and adoptive families. It recognizes that fostering and adoption extend beyond bringing a child into a home; adoptees often face questions about their origin, identity, and sense of belonging. Yet, Black children are overrepresented in the foster care system but underrepresented in adoptions. This disparity is frequently attributed to systemic biases and a lack of culturally competent support within the adoption process. Yes We Adopt addresses these issues, advocating for more inclusive practices and encouraging the Black community to share stories, build connections, and foster a supportive network that uplifts both adoptive parents and adoptees.

“Black children are overrepresented in the foster care system but underrepresented in adoptions.”

– U.S. Government Accountability Office

This overrepresentation underscores a critical need for Black adoptive families, as research suggests that Black children thrive in homes with Black parents, highlighting the importance of transracial adoption considerations. However, while interest in adoption is growing among Black adults, they often encounter unique challenges and barriers within the system.

Our Commitment to Black Families and Adoptees

Yes We Adopt is unwavering in its commitment to creating a nurturing, knowledgeable, and welcoming community for Black families considering adoption. The organization’s goals include:

• Building a Community for Adoptive Families: Families need more than just resources; they need a sense of belonging. Yes We Adopt fosters community ties, offering families the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support one another throughout the adoption process.
• Advocating for Black Children in Foster and Adoption Systems: With only 25% of Black children adopted by Black families compared to 50% of white children adopted by white families, there is a significant racial disparity that must be addressed. Yes We Adopt strives to elevate the voices of these children, highlighting the urgency for more Black adoptive families and promoting more equitable adoption practices.
• Raising Awareness about the Adoption Journey and Its Lifelong Impact: Yes We Adopt educates families about the various pathways to adoption and foster care, preparing them for the emotional journey that adoption brings. Understanding the importance of cultural identity and heritage, the organization empowers families to nurture well-rounded, confident children.

The Mission: Advocating, Educating, and Embracing Community

The mission of Yes We Adopt centers on advocacy, awareness, and inclusivity:

• Advocacy for Black Children: By illuminating the biases within adoption systems, Yes We Adopt champions the cause for Black children awaiting adoption, calling for systemic change that better supports families and children of color.
• Awareness for Potential Families: By raising awareness of the challenges Black families may face, Yes We Adopt works to remove barriers that discourage Black adults from adopting. Common challenges include financial burdens, systemic biases, and limited support networks.
• Encouraging Open Hearts and Minds: Embracing adoption is a profound decision that requires an open heart and understanding of its impact. Yes We Adopt inspires families to approach adoption as a lifelong commitment to nurturing, guiding, and loving a child.
• Partnering Across the Constellation: Adoption involves many stakeholders—birth parents, adoptees, adoptive families, and professionals. Yes We Adopt collaborates with partner agencies to provide families with the comprehensive support they need.

Services That Empower Families and Transform Lives

Yes We Adopt offers a suite of services to guide families at every stage of the adoption journey:

• Education: Educational resources are essential for potential adoptive families to make informed decisions. Yes We Adopt provides tools, literature, and workshops to demystify the adoption process and equip families with the knowledge they need.
• Training: From “Adoption 101” to “Managing the Weight of the Wait,” Yes We Adopt’s training programs prepare families for the unique challenges of adoption. Training addresses both technical aspects and the emotional resilience required in this journey.
• Consulting: Recognizing that every family’s journey is unique, Yes We Adopt offers individual and group consulting. This support creates a safe space for families to ask questions, express concerns, and receive guidance on the adoption process and parenting strategies.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with adoption agencies, Yes We Adopt bridges communities to ensure that Black families receive the culturally competent support they need throughout the adoption process.

For further insights on racial disparity and adoption, explore resources like the ASPE report, Adoption England’s equality initiatives, and the University of Nevada’s research on transracial adoption.

Addressing Systemic Barriers in the Adoption Process

For Black families interested in adoption, systemic barriers can make the journey challenging. Here’s a closer look at the obstacles they may encounter:

• Systemic Bias: Implicit biases within adoption systems often lead to increased scrutiny and delays for Black families. Assumptions about their suitability as adoptive parents can discourage and dissuade families who would otherwise provide stable, loving homes.
• Financial Barriers: The high costs of adoption, including agency and legal fees, can be a significant burden. These expenses may discourage families who are otherwise well-suited for adoption.
• Lack of Cultural Competency: Some agencies lack the cultural understanding or resources to effectively support Black families. This gap can result in a lack of adequate guidance, leaving families feeling isolated and unsupported.
• Stigma and Misconceptions: Negative stereotypes surrounding Black parenting create additional hurdles, making the adoption journey more daunting.
• Limited Support Networks: Compared to white adoptive families, Black adoptive families may lack access to established support networks, making it more difficult to find mentorship and advice.

While these barriers exist, they are not insurmountable, and Yes We Adopt is committed to addressing them. Through community advocacy and partnerships, they work to create a more inclusive adoption process that values and uplifts Black families.

Building Identity and Legacy for Black Adoptees

For Black children, growing up in a family that shares their cultural background can profoundly shape their self-esteem, understanding of heritage, and sense of belonging. Yes We Adopt believes in the importance of mirroring, where Black children see themselves in their family members. Representation within the family unit provides cultural education and nurtures pride, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

Looking Forward: The Yes We Adopt Summit and Beyond

Yes We Adopt’s annual summit, themed “Bonding Families Through CARE: Community, Advocacy, Relationship, and Engagement,” is an event that brings together adoptees, adoptive parents, birth families, and professionals. The summit fosters connection and healing, offering a safe space where participants find support, share experiences, and understand adoption as a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges.

Yes We Adopt is more than an advocacy organization; it’s a community dedicated to bridging gaps, fostering understanding, and nurturing love within the Black adoption experience. By elevating Black voices, celebrating stories, and addressing systemic disparities, Yes We Adopt is building a legacy where every child can grow up feeling cherished, understood, and proud of who they are.