About Bi-Racial Adoption

One family type that is always in short supply is the bi-racial family. Those interested in African American or bi-racial newborns are normally matched with a birthmother in a few months. Christian and Catholic, African American and bi-racial families are frequently requested by birthmothers. Statistics show that in the U.S. there are over 500,000 children in foster care; a majority are African American or African American mixed children. 100,000 are waiting to be adopted.

With the Internet and sites like our sister site, Lifetime Adoption, it is taking less than 14 months for most couples to adopt, and typically less for African American and bi-racial families.

"Many calls come in on our 24 hour hotline," states a coordinator at Lifetime. "A birthmother wants to have her baby adopted immediately from the hospital to avoid foster care. When we receive that phone call in the middle of the night, we are able to tell the birthmother about adoptive families and then call a family immediately."

Once the birthmother chooses a family, they can meet at the hospital and the baby goes home with the adoptive family. Although not all adoptions happen this way, many do. All legal expenses are paid for by the adopting couple so there are no expenses to the birth families. Since the adoption is private, the process is much more confidential, allowing the birth mother the freedom to share her plans only with whom she wishes. Adoptive families should be aware they also need a home study and legal representation to complete their adoption.

Lifetime states that birth parents range in age from 13 to 40 years old. Most of their clients are in their 20's and 30's, many of whom are requesting families of a particular racial make-up. Some have children already and for others, this is their first pregnancy. Women can find help on the Internet by accessing web sites from their library or friend's computers if they don't have their own, although many birth parents do have access to the Internet now. "We also have referrals from pastors and priests all over the nation, seeking assistance for members of their congregation who have found themselves or their daughters with unplanned pregnancies," states Lifetime.  

Birthmothers must provide proof of pregnancy and are given resources to help them with their decision. Counseling is offered to all women considering adoption. Since birth parents are located all over the nation, they are offered counseling in their hometown. Often for privacy, or when they are in a rural area, the option of phone counseling is provided.

Lifetime also promotes the Birthmother Blessing program, which helps birthmothers with maternity clothes, toiletries, towels, sheets, and other household items free of charge.

Lifetime also provides help for full African American families and children at their sister site, African American Adoptions Online. Please visit to learn more.

For more information about adopting a child or placing one for adoption, please contact us, or visit Lifetime Adoption.