What you need to know about caring for mixed-race children

Children of colour often wait the longest to be matched with a foster family compared to their counterparts. Agencies and local authorities will typically strive to ensure they are matched with a family of the same race, ethnicity or religion.

For children of multiracial heritage, they are a significant case, as they will have two or more backgrounds that their carer(s) will need to consider. Beacon Fostering is an inclusive agency that recognises the challenges faced by mixed race children, so here’s some things you need to know about fostering a child from this group.

Establishing identity

Many mixed race people discuss how they have often felt as if they don’t belong to one race or another (such as black African or Caribbean and white, white and South Asian, white and East Asian), and have to code switch (changing one’s behaviour according to the setting) to feel accepted by either side. Let your foster child know that they are just as much of one race as they are the other.

Embracing the best of both worlds

Following from the previous point, instil pride in your multiracial foster child and their unique identity by showing them aspects from the ethnicities they’re connected to. Watch films and read books with characters of their racial combination, and check if there are any clubs or groups aimed at multiracial children of their unique background.

Education in racism

Educate your mixed race child on what racism is and the forms it takes, so that they are prepared for any discrimination they might face. Instil confidence in your child, and promote positivity and self-esteem.

To become part of our foster care network, get in touch with Beacon Fostering today.