In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Part 2, Dr. Tony Hynes (author of The Son with Two Moms and training specialist at the Center for Adoption Support and Education) goes deeper on what adoptive parents must understand about race, language, and true openness. We unpack the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) and its real-world ripple effects, why “love is enough” and colorblind approaches fail kids, and practical ways white adoptive parents can prepare to raise Black children well.

Tony explains why the language we use (interracial vs. transracial) shapes outcomes, how faith communities can unintentionally reinforce colorblindness, and concrete steps to keep teens close—even when they roll their eyes. We close with what a truly healthy open adoption looks like beyond visits: ongoing, courageous conversations, shared history, and permission for your child to love all of their family.

Important Links

• RG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

• The Son with Two Moms by Tony Hynes

• Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) → https://adoptionsupport.org

• Adoption Mosaic → https://adoptionmosaic.com/

• BIPOC Adoptees → https://www.bipocadoptees.org/

• Families Rising → https://wearefamiliesrising.org/

• On Your Feet Foundation (support for birth parents) → https://onyourfeetfoundation.org/

• The Adoption Continuum (Founding Member Waitlist) → https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/waitlist

Chapters

00:00 – 02:15 Sponsor: Introducing The Adoption Continuum
02:15 – 04:40 Recap of Part 1 + Tony’s return
04:41 – 07:00 The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) explained
07:03 – 09:24 Why there’s a shortage of Black families adopting Black children
09:25 – 11:47 Training gaps and bias in interracial adoption
11:48 – 14:10 Helping white parents prepare to raise children of color
14:11 – 16:31 Confronting racism inside extended families
16:32 – 19:00 “Transracial” vs. “Interracial” — Why language matters
19:01 – 21:25 Same-sex parents and child well-being research
21:26 – 23:47 Dr. Hynes’s PhD study on connectedness and community
23:48 – 26:08 Religion and colorblind messages in adoptive homes
26:09 – 28:33 Talking about race protects relationships long-term
28:34 – 30:55 Keeping teens close through repetition and modeling
30:56 – 33:19 Redefining openness beyond visits
33:20 – 35:42 How to normalize birth family conversations
35:43 – 37:23 Reunion, search, and the right to know one’s story
37:24 – 39:40 Top lessons for adoptive parents (+ grace and curiosity)
39:41 – 42:00 Rapid fire: Organizations and influences in adoption
42:00 – 43:25 Final insight — Adoptees can experience trauma after adoption
43:26 – End Rebecca’s closing reflection & review reminder

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For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠