5.2.1 Children from Ethnic Minority Backgrounds

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Hair Care
3. Skin Care
4. Racism
5. Arrangements for Religious Observance

1. Introduction

All our homes have a positive anti racist stance. When a home admits a child from an ethnic group, discussions should take place prior to admission with both the child and their primary carer as to any specific needs that they might have, e.g. dietary, religious, medical, skin and hair care and community links. 

Homes, along with the children themselves, local authority and therapists will work hard to provide an environment and resources which foster positive images of people from ethnic groups, both for the people themselves and for the child and staff from the majority group. This includes appropriate visual images, a broad diet, books and literature, keeping links with child's home communities, and fostering an awareness of and a willingness to discuss topical issues around race, religion and gender. The child in our care should be helped to deal with negative expressions if they occur, both within the home and in the wider community. Staff should model anti racist behaviour including intervening in overt racist practice, either within the home or in the wider community.

The child in our care should be made aware of stereotypes within our belief systems and embedded in our language and be encouraged to challenge these.

2. Hair Care

CastleCare policy is to ensure appropriate and healthy hair care is provided for the children in our care, recognising individual needs and promoting a positive body image. Special combs, brushes, oils, creams and shampoo will be bought by staff in consultation with professionals, the child and previous primary caregivers. Hair will be regularly washed and brushed/combed. Hair cuts will be provided as and when needed by visits to hairdressers. Staff will use their discretion and consult with children regarding styles, etc. For personal items children may either go shopping on their own or with staff (as appropriate).  Hair care advice and attention, other than cutting/complex styling, will be given by staff where possible and by professionals otherwise. Where the child's hair appears unhealthy, professional advice and treatment will be sought.

3. Skin Care

General approach is similar to that stated for hair care. Oils, creams and lotions will be purchased in consultation with professionals, the child and previous primary caregivers (where appropriate). Staff will be vigilant regarding any skin ailments and seek expert advice and professional diagnosis and treatment. We aim to promote a positive regard for the child's natural skin colours. Any requests by children for lightening creams must be dealt with by counselling and support on the underlying issues and education about the health risks of such products.

4. Racism

CastleCare has an interventionist policy with regard to racist incidents. We aim to promote respect for self and others in the children's interactions with each other, staff and the wider community. Staff are expected to intervene in incidents sensitively, constructively and using their discretion with regard to context and group dynamics. Staff will model anti racist behaviour and values in their dealings with each other, children and the wider community. Counselling, explanation and support will be offered to children as and when appropriate. Staff are encouraged to explore issues such incidents raise with each other, and to seek strategies, support and advice from colleagues and senior staff. Staff training programmes will also deal with various aspects of racism and anti racist practice. All complaints of any nature from children and staff will be investigated.

5. Arrangement for Religious Observance

1. CastleCare's referral form asks for information about the child's religion. Any issues arising out of this are discussed prior to admission. It should be noted that if we are unable to provide adequately for a specific religious observance then we will seek specific assistance. Only if we were still unable to respond positively would we reject the referral.
2. General religious education as prescribed by the National Curriculum is provided in the child's school.
3. Respect for various religious persuasions and practices is actively encouraged as part of our general ethos.
4. Special dietary requirements are met where possible.
5. Provision for staffing and transportation is recorded for specific religious events where necessary. It would, however, be impractical to provide transport for long journeys.
6. Specific counselling and advice from certain members of staff is available on request.

End