Available research in the area of transracial adoptions is surveyed, emphasizing the programs and services which could be developed based on this accumulated knowledge. It is argued that, because of the implications for the growing number of lives involved, the area of cross cultural adoptive placements needs further research, thoughtful program development, and careful consideration by both the professionals in the field and the adoptive families. Issues discussed include children's self concept, racial identity, social adjustment, adoptive family life, identity formation, and age at time of adoption, particularly in relation to black and minority group children. Recommendations are made for helping adoptive families adjust to the cross culturally adopted child. (DST)