DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce policy revision regarding transracial parenting training. 

Memo CS00-18 introduced the Transracial Parenting Project in June, 2000. The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) developed the project consisting of three components; a Self Awareness Tool, Training Curriculum, and Parenting Resource Manual. Since that time additional training curriculums have been published. 

Children’s Division policy no longer specifies the Transracial Parenting Project as the sole training resource to meet the need of providing training and support to those resource parents who wish to explore whether fostering or adopting a child of a different culture is appropriate for their family. 

The training curriculum should include but is not limited to:

• Information that highlights the important issues involved in caring for a child of another race, culture, or ethnicity. Including but not limited to identity development, family issues, community resources 
• Information to educate parents on what it truly means to parent a child (ren) of a different race, culture, or ethnicity 
• Strategies to help parents explore ways to prepare for parenting a child (ren) of a different race, culture, or ethnicity

The expectation is that the training facilitator will have experience in parenting a child of a different culture. This could enrich the quality of the discussion, answer unmet needs of those currently parenting, and encourage the development of support groups.

In-service training credit for up to six (6) hours may be earned with submission of documentation that transracial parenting training was completed.