As we settle into the new school year, many of us are still holding the warmth and wisdom of TRJ Family Camp. For families raising Black and Brown children through adoption, this moment of transition is more than school supplies and bus schedules—it’s about preparing children for systems that may not always fully see or support them.
Across the country, education is shifting. Diversity, equity, inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives are being rolled back. Inclusive curriculum is under attack. Mental health support is underfunded. These changes affect students and make it even more imperative that parents are ready to advocate for the children entrusted to them through adoption. (Back to School, Plugged In and Present)
For adopted children and teens—especially those in transracial families—school is often the first environment where differences in identity, race, and family structure become visible. A “baby picture” day, a “family tree” assignment, or a question like “Do you look more like your mom or dad?” can land with confusion or emotional activation.
At the same time, schools also hold tremendous possibilities. When educators and parents work together with intention, school can become a place where belonging blooms.
5 Ways to Support Adopted Students
- Acknowledgment of All Family Types by Teachers and Administrators
Avoid assumptions. Use inclusive language like “grown-ups,” “caregivers,” or “adults at home” instead of defaulting to “mom and dad.”
→ Parents: If your family structure isn’t represented in class materials, speak up. It matters. - Be Trauma-Informed
Adoption often includes grief, loss, and complexity. Empathy—not avoidance—helps children feel seen and safe.
→ Parents: Prep your child for moments that may surface, and advocate for trauma-aware policies. - Reflect Identity in the Curriculum
Representation matters. All students benefit from books, lessons, and visuals that reflect a full spectrum of identities and family stories.
→ Parents: Lend a book or suggest a story that represents your child’s experience. - Reimagine Assignments
Projects like “Family Trees” or “The Story of Your Name” can unintentionally isolate adopted students.
→ Parents: Partner with teachers early. Offer alternatives or suggest reframes if needed. - Build Trust Through Consistency
Belonging doesn’t happen once—it’s built daily.
→ Parents: Check in often with teachers and staff. Create a feedback loop that centers your child’s well-being.
Why This Matters
When I was a child, school didn’t feel like a space for my full story. I didn’t have affinity groups or adults talking about the complexity of adoption—especially not as a Black or mixed-race person in a white family.
Today, TRJ creates the spaces I never had. And what I see again and again when working in schools, is that these conversations don’t just support adopted students—they benefit all students navigating connections to family. When schools and families create space for identity and belonging, we raise children who feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Additional Resources
- What Teachers Should Know About Adoption - A practical resource for educators looking to better understand the adopted students in their care.
- An Urgent Conversation About Education with Cami Anderson - A 2021 podcast episode with points that resonates today.
- Follow @JuneinApril on Instagram
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for videos on race, adoption, and identity.
Together, we are building the schools—and the world—our children deserve.
This post is from our August 2025 newsletter. If you would like to get our newsletter in your inbox each month, as well as information about our annual TRJ Family Camp and our monthly Zoom call providing support for our transracial adoption parents, please subscribe.