Ben Douglas, a black person who was adopted by white parents, writes passionately in today’s Daily Mail in favour of transracial adoption. I think it is difficult to argue with his conclusion that “…what children need above all is a loving home rather than an ethnic match”.
However recent research reveals a complex picture of the disadvantages faced by black and ethnic minority children in the adoption process. It is important to ensure that reforms achieve the best possible outcomes for all children, regardless of their race and ethnicity.
And I disagree with Ben’s criticism of remarks by Children’s Minister, Tim Loughton, which Ben says dash his hopes for reform. On the contrary the Daily Mail reports Tim telling the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that “… although having an ethnic match may be desirable, it is a bonus and not a deal breaker”. That seems to me to be a reasonable starting point for reform.
