Black Adoption Placement and Research Center

The Black Adoption Placement and Research Center (BAPRC) was a nonprofit organization that focused on delivering culturally specific adoption and foster care services. It was founded in 1983 in response to concerns within the African-American community regarding the high number of African-American children entering and remaining in the public foster care system.

Mission and Services

BAPRC's mission was to recruit, train, and certify families for the placement of African-American and other children waiting for permanent homes. The organization adhered to state and federal laws and did not discriminate, offering its services to all children and families. Despite its focus on African-American placements, it served children of all backgrounds.

History

Over its operational history, BAPRC underwent significant transformations due to social, political, and economic changes that affected its financing and service delivery. The organization was licensed by the State of California to place Black and mixed Black children for adoption. During its early years, it faced challenges such as debates on charging placement fees to generate revenue.

Impact and Legacy

BAPRC played a crucial role in addressing disparities in the adoption and foster care system, particularly for African-American children. Despite its closure in 2015 after 32 years, the organization's efforts helped hundreds of children find permanent homes.

Programs and Operations

BAPRC was physically based in Oakland, California, and was governed by a diverse Board of Directors. The organization maintained a strong internal structure, which included a resource center with materials related to parenting and adoption processes.

In March 2015, after 32 years of operation, BAPRC closed its doors, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to culturally sensitive adoption services.

[1] https://mackcenter.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/publications/black_adoption_placement_and_research_center_at_25_placing_african_american_children_in_permanent_homes_1983_2008.pdf [2] https://cradle.org/african-american-adoption/ [3] https://www.cdss.ca.gov/research/res/pdf/Childreport/AdoptinCA/AdoptinCAJul98-Jun99.pdf [4] https://abc7news.com/san-leandro-adoption-baby-business/577972/ [5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21416436/