Unite and stand as one voice.
On Saturday 12 February 2022, The Black Care Experience will be hosting their conference to bring together those who are Black care experienced and those who work in England’s children’s social care system. We’re aiming to unite and stand as one voice to shape the care, outcomes and life chances of Black children and young people in care.
The Black Care Experience was formed in November 2020 due to concerns about the care, outcomes and life chances of Black children and young people in England’s children’s social care system. Black is defined as a person whose ethnic origin is either African, Caribbean including Mixed Race with African or Caribbean heritage. Researching the historical journey of Black children and young people in the care system, The Black Care Experience saw consistent and emerging themes of care from the 1950s to present day, which did not promote and affirm the identity or empower a positive sense of self for those who were Black and in care.
The consistent and emerging themes of placements were:
- Unable to promote the culture and identity impacting on how they see themselves
- Having a direct impact on how their hair and skin is cared for
- Unable to prepare them to return to and be a part of their community, impacting on how they see our community
- Failing to prepare them for the racism and discrimination they may face in the world they live in
- Unable to be seen as a safe space to hear and understand their voice in relation to their culture, identity, hair and skin care
- Racism, discrimination and prejudice experienced in the homes of those who are there to care
- The shortage of Black foster carers to care for Black children and young people in the care system.
The Black Care Experience Report, published in March 2021, highlighted that whilst there has been some evidence of good Black care experiences, these themes are still very prevalent in how Black children and young people are being cared for. Black children continue to have poorer outcomes in comparison to their non-Black peers in the care system.
Be a part of the change
The aim of the conference is to bring stories to life, to hear about the care journey from more Black care experienced young people and hear stories from those who work in children’s social care. We want to raise a united call to action to improve the care and outcomes for the next generation of Black and in care young people and for the care review, which is soon to be presented to the government, to include their recommendations,
The conference is also an opportunity to bring together a community of proactive and diverse supporters, to engage in projects and initiatives, beyond the timeframe of the care review to help improve the care for those who are Black and in care.
Register to attend here to come have a voice and be a part of the change!
