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 Adoption is not new to the African American
community. For generations, families were joined-some by blood and others by
love. Remember Grandma Susie, Uncle Joe, or Auntie Louise who were always
there for you. When parents couldn't or weren't able to provide for their
children, someone stepped in. Children became a part of families without
government red tape, without formal adoptions, but nevertheless, these
children became part of a family where their needs were met. Informal
adoption has been as much as a part of the African American experience as
apple pie is to America. This resource has created a safety net for
thousands, and perhaps, millions of Black children. So how did so many
children end up in the child welfare system, and why are so many of them
without a family?
 On the surface, one may speculate that there are
more Black children in need of homes because Black families simply do not
adopt. Further, it has been suggested that Black families lack the skills
and resources to qualify as adoptive parents. However many specialty
agencies beginning with Homes for Black Children in Detroit, Michigan have
proven that Black families will come forth to adopt as the need is known.
It is estimated that thousands of Black children
are available for adoption. The majority are African American boys, or
children who are school aged or those who have brothers and sisters, and the
plan is to keep them together. There are so many myths about adoption that
make families reluctant to enter the process. However, read Tommy's story,
and hopefully, it will lead more folks to open their hearts and homes to a
waiting child. Tommy and his wife probably did not intend to end up with
four children when he first came to Another Choice for Black Children. But
from what he says in the following note to our staff, it sounds like he
knows what happens to children who wait in vain and has found the answer for
several of them that call him dad.
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