Identity is important for all children, but it is particularly crucial for children from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds in foster care, who may be separated not only from their birth family, but also their cultural heritage, community, and sense of self. Foster carers need to actively promote the identity of all children in their care, and be particularly mindful of those from a different culture than themselves.
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Caring for BAME children
Research has shown that BAME children are overrepresented in the care system. However, in many areas of the UK there is an ongoing shortage of foster carers, and there are often particular shortages of foster carers that reflect the cultural or ethnic background of the child in care. This means they may be placed with carers from a different cultural, religious or ethnic background.
Research shows that mixed heritage children are generally seen as Black children by the community they live in, and by wider society, so they need to be prepared to deal with the racism and discrimination they might experience. Some mixed heritage children, particularly those who may have lived with their white parent and had little or no contact with their BAME parent, may struggle to recognise or understand they are BAME. Beginning to identify with other members of BAME communities can help a child feel positive about their cultural identity. It enables them to develop into an emotionally healthy adult.
