Black Lives Matter

The staff of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children are outraged at the murder of George Floyd and pained by the targeted violence against communities of color over countless years. The urgency for real change in how we interact with each other as a diverse society is evident.  As an adoption organization that has brought families and children of so many cultures together for over 100 years, We support all peaceful activity to acknowledge that black families matter, black children matter, and black lives MATTER. 

We are all in this challenging and critical time together. 

Adopting Across Race

PARENTING ACROSS RACE: THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS, AND THE FUTURE

Racism, is a systemic problem that touch all aspects of our lives, including adoption. In June 2020, Spence-Chapin staff held an event, which created a space for adoptive parents to talk about race and racism after the murder of George Floyd. From there, the series “Parenting Across Race” was created for transracial families to continue the conversation about race, racism, prejudice, and discrimination and to include adult adoptees voices and experiences. Talking about race, racism, and identity are ongoing conversations that will continue to evolve with society, current events, and as families go through their own personal development and experiences. We invite you to join us in Fall 2021 as we continue this important series.

How to Get Involved

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Spence-Chapin has been a leader in African-American and Black infant adoption as well as recruitment of African-American adoptive parents. We celebrate the efforts made by those who have fought to break barriers, continue in our mission of finding adoptive families for all children in the New York tri-state area and abroad as well as recruiting African-American, Black, bi-racial, and multi-racial adoptive parents. Learn more about how Spence-Chapin is honoring Black History Month

BLACK LIVES MATTER: WITH BLACK FAMILIES, FOR BLACK FAMILIES. HOW WE ARE COPING. HOW WE CAN SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER IN THESE TRYING TIMES.

We invite you to watch our previous town hall event that took place on June 4, 2020. 

In this facilitated conversation with Kristin J. Carothers, Ph.D., Black families will discuss the challenges they face because of institutionalized racism, the tools they use to cope, and how they can support and encourage one another to move forward in these trying times.  

BLACK LIVES MATTER: HOW TO BE AN ALLY TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY

We invite you to watch our previous town hall event that took place on June 9, 2020. 

BLACK LIVES MATTER: Protecting and Supporting Black Children in These Difficult Times

We invite you to watch our previous town hall event that took place on June 4, 2020. 

FEATURED Interviews

Here and Now ABC 7 Interview

Antoinette Cockerham, Ian Rowe, and Latoya Sinclair discussing Spence-Chapin’s history in finding permanent homes for African American children for adoption.

Brooklyn Savvy: Transracial Adoption Revisited

Antoinette Cockerham of Spence Chapin talks about the challenges of transracial adoption.

FEATURED BLOG POSTS

REFLECTIONS ON SPENCE-CHAPIN HISTORY DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This month as we celebrate Black History Month, I have found myself taking time to reflect on the history of African American adoption, the role that Spence-Chapin has played in that history, and the many encouraging changes I have witnessed in my 25+ career working in adoption.

ADOPTION IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

In honor of Black History Month, we revisit the efforts made by those who have fought to break barriers, making African-American and Black children a focus and a priority.

SPENCE-CHAPIN, A LEADER IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND BLACK INFANT ADOPTION

In honor of Black History Month, we revisit the efforts made by those who have fought to break barriers, making African-American and Black children a focus and a priority.

SOUTH AFRICA ADOPTION STORY: KERRI AND NATHAN

An adoptive mother reflects on her family brought together through adoption from South Africa and Ethiopia.

OUR HISTORY

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