Why are there a lack of foster carers from non-white backgrounds?

Between 2020 and 2021, 80% of newly approved foster carers were white, with 15% from non-white backgrounds and the remaining 5% being marked as unknown.

Similarly, 70% of foster children are white.

The foster care system often seeks to place children with carers of the same or similar culture and/or religion. However, this is not always possible, leading to ‘transracial fostering’. This refers to the carer and child(ren) being of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and requires the former to do research into things like food, hair care and clothing to ensure that their foster child is looked after, and has confidence and self-assurance in their backgrounds.

Here, we’ll take a look at the potential factors behind a lack of non-white carers.

Cultural dissonance and sensitivity

According to research, people from non-white backgrounds often feel that these organisations do not understand the significance behind their traditions; for instance, food, prayer and self-care. As the number of minority children in care outnumbers the number of minority foster carers (24% vs 13% in 2020), white foster families (which make up 80% of fosterers as of 2022) often find themselves looking after non-white children and having to learn about their culture.

Support networks and representation

People from non-white backgrounds also face a lack of access to support from people who share their culture within children’s services. They often feel that because of the lack of representation, understanding and support, fostering is inaccessible and therefore not considerate of their needs.

Here at Beacon Fostering, we are an independent fostering agency that looks to support every foster parent and child in our wider family network. For guidance or advice, reach out today.