Commentary: Transracial Adoption— Changing Trends and Attitudes

Legislating adoption practices is a stop-gap measure to protect the interests of potential adoptees and their would-be parents. As our society becomes better able to govern itself in these matters and reaches a consensus on humanitarian values, it is hoped that the need for legislation will diminish. In the meantime, we still have the best-interests test to guide us through new and sometimes troubled waters. We need to instill respect for all minority cultures while also incorporating them into the larger culture that one day will appreciate the values of tolerance and diversity. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 34:321–3, 2006 Prior to sharing my comments on the article by Grif-fith and Bergeron1 concerning transracial adoption, I wish to share any potential biases I might have on the topic issuing from my own background. I grew up with an adopted brother of the same race; in my career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I have had considerable experience in the areas of foster care and adoption; I live in a state that is 98 percent white