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Finances for Foster Carers

When a child is placed in foster care, the cost of caring for them is paid to the foster carer in the form of a fostering allowance. Many foster care services also pay a fee on top of this allowance, in recognition of the work they do in caring for these children. This additional payment is classed as the “reward” element of the fee.

To ensure that no foster carer is out of pocket because of their caring role, a recommended national minimum allowance was introduced by the Department for Education. There is currently no recommended amount for the reward element, and each fostering service will set this separately.

The national minimum allowance has been calculated on the basis of the minimum amount that any foster carer needs to meet the cost of caring for a foster child. Recommended rates, excluding rewards, are as follows:

Fostering is classed as self-employment therefore carers need to:

• Register as self-employed and for Class 2 National Insurance
• Complete a tax return
• Income Tax and National Insurance

Registering as self-employed

Registering as Self-Employed is relatively straight forward, and can be done one of two ways:

• Completing a paper form CWF1 by downloading it from HMRC’s website
• Registering online using HMRC’s website register here.

Completing Your Tax Return

• Once you have completed the registration you will be asked to complete a tax return on an annual basis for the period 6 April to 5 April.
• You will need to ensure that you submit your tax return by 31 October (if you are filing by paper) or by 31 January (if you are filing online) following the end of the tax year. You will also need to make sure that you pay any tax liability due by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
• The date you register from should be the date that you went to panel, as this will allow you to claim the full amount of allowances that you are entitled to.

There are a number of things that can affect your tax liability including:

1. The number of children in your care at any one time
2. The type of placement (i.e. if you receive an enhanced fee for one of your placements)
3. Whether you foster with a partner
4. Whether you receive any other income in addition to your fostering income

As a foster parent, you’re in a unique tax position. You have a choice of methods to calculate your taxable fostering income:

• The simple method
• The profit method

Simple Method

In 2003, HMRC set up a tax scheme for foster carers to simplify the calculation of their taxable income by comparing a ‘Qualifying Amount’ to their total fostering income. The Qualifying Amount is made up of two elements:

1. The first element is a fixed rate of £18,140 This amount is available if you have been a carer for the entire tax year. If you have only been a carer for part of the tax year, the amount is calculated on a pro-rata basis from the date you were appointed in the year.

2. The second element is a weekly rate of £375 per week per placement under the age of 11 £450 per week per placement over the age of 11

In order to qualify for this tax relief you will need to group together the total income you received for your fostering duties. All receipts from your fostering service are included in your income (i.e. birthday money, mileage, expenses etc.)

If your total fostering income is less than your ‘Qualifying Amount’ then your taxable income is deemed as NIL and therefore you have no tax to pay. If your income is over the qualifying amount, the excess is treated as your taxable income.

If you have any fostering income in excess of your qualifying amount, you also have your personal allowance to use as well (providing you have no other income e.g. employment income).

Profit Method

The profit method rules state that, in calculating your taxable fostering income, you simply deduct your actual expense from your fostering income for the tax year.

In practice, you would need to keep track of your expenses throughout the tax year and retain any receipts that you are given.

This is in case HMRC request evidence to support any entries you have made in your self-assessment tax return.

For any ‘profit’ made on your fostering income, the same rules apply whereby you still have your personal allowance to take advantage of before tax is calculated.

Special Guardianship (SGO)/Residence Order (RO) Allowances

If a carer received income for a placement that is placed under SGO or RO, the income is not taxable and should not be entered on a tax return.

Tax for Foster Carers

Follow the link to an easy online step by step explanation of tax specifically for Foster Carers. The guide is written and produced by the HMRC as an e-learning tool.

Tax for Shared Lives Carers

Claiming Benefits

The UK Benefits system is currently undergoing major changes with the introduction of Universal Credit which is being phased in across the country.

All allowances and fees received by foster carers in return for fostering are fully disregarded for the purposes of calculating entitlement to means tested benefits.

For further information please visit: Benefits for foster carers.

Universal Credit is a means tested benefit.

Fees and allowances will not be taken into account as earnings or income and will not affect the amount of Universal Credit a foster carer is entitled to receive. For further information please consult the Department of Work and Pensions Website.

Housing Benefit (Now referred to as the Housing Cost Element of Universal Credit)

Fostering income is disregarded for Housing Benefit purposes. If you are claiming Universal Credit, Housing Benefit is paid as part of your claim.

Housing benefit is for rented accommodation (not available if a carer has a property that they own and rent out)

Housing Benefit is means tested.

Spare room reduction:

You can claim 1 bedroom for:

• each single adult
• each couple
• all children of the same gender under 16
• all children under 10 (regardless of gender
• each disabled tenant
• each partner needing an external overnight carer
• all foster children (also applies when no foster children live with you as long as the room isn’t empty for more than 52 weeks)
• each foster child that can’t share a bedroom because of a disability or medical condition (contact your local council with medical evidence)
• each adult child in the Armed Forces or each reservist
• all external carers who provide overnight care for you or your partner

Housing Benefit could be reduced by:

• 14% of the ‘eligible rent’ if you have 1 extra bedroom
• 25% of the ‘eligible rent’ if you have 2 or more extra bedrooms

Most local authorities have a benefits calculator on their website.

Council Tax Relief

Your fostering income must be disregarded for the purposes of Council Tax reduction and therefore you can apply for Council Tax Reduction.

Council Tax relief is a means tested benefit.

Apply through the local authority

How much you get depends on:

• where you live – each council runs their own scheme
• your circumstances (eg income, number of children)
• your household income – this includes things like savings, pension, your partner’s income
• if your children live with you
• if other adults live with you

Disability Living Allowance for children

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax free benefit for disabled children who need help with mobility or care costs.

To qualify the child must:

• Be under 16 years of age
• Have difficulty walking or need more looking after than a child of the same age without a disability (they must have had the difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least 6 months). Terminally ill children are not subject to the 3 month rule.
• Be in Great Britain, another EEA country or Switzerland when making the claim
• Not subject to Immigration control
• Be habitually resident in the UK and have actually lived in the UK for a certain period of time

The child may have to attend an assessment in respect of a claim.

The residence qualification does not apply to terminally ill children (those with 6 months or less to live).

The allowance has a care and mobility component – the tables below show the rates and level of care required.

Care Component

The residence qualification does not apply to terminally ill children (those with 6 months or less to live).

The allowance has a care and mobility component – the tables below show the rates and level of care required.

Mobility Component

Carer’s Allowance:

If you spend over 35 hours a week caring for a child who is in the middle or higher rate band you may be entitled to claim carer’s allowance

Carer Allowance

• If a carer has a placement that receives Disability Living Allowance at the middle or higher rate of the care component, they can claim carers allowance.
• They must ensure their taxable income other the fostering is less than £100 per week
• Fostering Income is disregarded

Free Childcare for Working Parents

From September 2017, many working parents of 3 to 4 year olds in England became eligible for 30 hours of free childcare rather than the previous 15 hours.

Not every child is eligible to receive the additional 15 hours but the current level of 15 hours is still available to those who are already in receipt of the allowance.

Prior to September 2017, children that were eligible to receive the 15 hours free child care will continue to receive this as it is a universal entitlement for all children starting the term following their third birthday.

The extended entitlement is in addition to the universal 15 hours entitlement, providing an extra 15 hours a week of free childcare for families that meet the eligibility criteria.

You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

• in work – or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave
• each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week – this is £120 if you’re over 25

This earnings limit doesn’t apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.

You’re not eligible if:

• your child doesn’t usually live with you
• either you or your partner has a taxable income over £100,000
• your child is a fostered child (unless also working outside the role of fostering)

If you are a foster carer you can obtain the 15 hours additional free child care for your birth children (if eligible) as the role of foster care is recognized as qualifying work.

Free Childcare for Working Foster Parents

Foster parents who also work outside their role of foster carer will also have the opportunity for the additional 15 hours free childcare.

The government will provide the same access of support to foster carers working outside the role of foster care as for all working families in England. The role of foster care will be recognised as qualifying work to enable foster carers to apply for the additional hours for their birth children.

Where the foster parent and their partner (if any) hold additional employment outside the role of fostering then they will be able to apply for the additional 15 hours free childcare providing the provision of these hours is consistent with the child’s care plan and would have to be authorised by the local authority.

Responsible local authorities will therefore need to determine whether 30 hours childcare is appropriate for the child, and confirm that foster parents meet the eligibility criteria. They will have the flexibility to develop local policies and processes for establishing this.

This won’t be right for every child and the government estimate that only a small number of foster parents will take up the offer.

Foster parents should start discussions with their social worker to discuss an application. The local authority will be required to confirm the application from a designated person from within the local authority.

Three-and-four-year-olds can start in a 30 hours place from the 1st September, 1st January or 1st April. To ensure a September start, applications should be sent to the responsible local authority by 31 August.

The early years team at the responsible local authority will issue a code to the foster parent and the parent should then contact the childcare provider to confirm their place.

The free child care can only be received the term after the child turns 3 years old and the foster parent/s received the code (both conditions must be met)

For further information, visit Childcare costs.

Frequently Asked Questions – fostering income and Tax

I foster with my partner, can we reduce our tax liability in any way?

If you foster with your partner it may be beneficial to trade as a partnership, but only if their personal allowance is not fully utilised. The numbers would need to be crunched to see if it would be beneficial for you.

We only have one placement, but we received double funding because they need special care, is there any way of reducing my tax liability?

As a specialist foster carer you are entitled to compute your taxable income in exactly the same way as a non-specialist foster carer. However, in addition to the standard allowances, exceptional expenditure may be claimed as an additional deduction in calculating your taxable income. HMRC explains that expenditure may be ‘exceptional’ in, either nature or degree, but must relate directly to the placement’s special needs in order to be tax deductible.

How is my fostering income taken into account for tax credits?

You must include your income from foster caring in your declaration of income. Your foster caring income for tax credit purposes is the same as your taxable profit from fostering. So if your total foster care receipts are less than your qualifying amount, your profit from foster caring for both tax and tax credit will be nil.

Note: Other income (yours or your partner’s) will be taken into account for Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit purposes.

How will my income from fostering affect my entitlement to Child Tax Credit?

You can claim Child Tax Credit for your own children, but not for your foster children (unless, very exceptionally, the local authority do not pay you for accommodation/maintenance).

How will my income from fostering affect my entitlement to Working Tax Credit?

You are entitled to claim Working Tax Credit provided that you or your partner are in ’qualifying paid work’ for at least 16 hours a week if you have a child of your own, or 30 hours a week if you do not. Foster caring is ’qualifying paid work’.

For further information on Tax issues click here.

Useful forms and Tax Data

Useful Numbers

THE INFORMATION WAS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF WRITING (JANUARY 2022). FOSTERLINE WOULD ALWAYS RECOMMEND SEEKING PROFESSIONAL ADVICE REGARDING TAX AND FINANCIAL ISSUES.

Link to record keeping apps supplied by the HMRC.

HMRC Webinars for foster carers

HMRC has put together a useful range of Webinars for foster carers on a range of issues that affect them. These are designed to give practical help and advice on how to keep records and what tax and insurance foster carers are required to pay. You can choose to take part in a live webinar or watch a pre-recorded session.

For more information and to access the webinars click here.

This page also includes links to supporting material and guidance which you might find helpful after you have viewed the webinar.

Webinars on offer include:

Foster carers and HMRC

This webinar is suitable for prospective Foster carers or those who have been approved as a foster carer. Find out about what self-employment means to you, how to use qualifying care relief, keeping records and what to put on your tax return

Shared Lives carers and HMRC

This webinar is suitable for those involved in Shared Lives care. For example, Adult Placement care, Kinship care, staying-put care and parent and child arrangements. Find out about what self-employment means to you, how to use qualifying care relief, keeping records and what to put on your tax return.

National Insurance for the self-employed

Find out about the types of National Insurance when self-employed, how to pay it and what benefits your National Insurance counts towards.

How to Complete Your First Online Tax Return

Find out how to register for Self-Assessment Online, how to tailor your Tax Return, how to complete the self-employed pages and how to send your completed return online. This webinar is aimed at sole traders and is not suitable for directors of limited companies.

Female Genital Mutilation

Caring for Muslim Children – Ramadan

Caring for Muslim Children – Fasting (Sawm)

Caring for Muslim Children – Facilitating Prayer (Salah)

Caring for Muslim Children – Basic Requirements for Muslims

Caring for Muslim Children: Basic Requirements for Muslims

The majority of people will be aware of the term “halal” and will associate this to food. Halal refers to that which is lawful and hence permissible for Muslims to consume. The opposite is true for “haram”, that which is unlawful.

Food

There are certain exceptions to the meat Muslims are allowed to consume and all meat is to be slaughtered according to Islamic law (see below). Muslims can consume all types of seafood, fruits, vegetables and dairy products provided they do not contain any animal content.

There are no restrictions on who can cook halal food, provided that the food does not come into contact with foods that are not halal, nor is it prepared with the same utensils that are used when preparing forbidden ingredients without being properly cleaned first.

For example, if an egg was cooked in sunflower oil or vegetable oil in which a non-halal meat was cooked previously, the oil would be considered haram and not permissible for a Muslim. Similarly, if the food was prepared on the surface that a forbidden food was prepared, the surface would need to be cleaned.

Utensils and surfaces can be cleaned using normal washing methods, such as running water over the utensils and cleaning the surface with any domestic cleaning products.

*The following meats are forbidden to be consumed by Muslims:

• Pig meat and all its products (ham, bacon, pork, gelatine, gammon)
• Wild animals that use their claws or teeth to kill prey
• All birds of prey
• Rodents
• Reptiles
• Worms and such like
• Dead animals and birds that are not slaughtered according to Islamic rites

Animals and their by-products that are slaughtered according Islamic rites are considered halal (e.g. cattle). Halal meat is available in most towns and cities and can also be bought online.

Anything that is suitable for vegetarians and vegans is permissible except if it contains alcohol, even if the alcohol is boiled out. Vinegar is permissible, even though it produces alcohol through the fermentation process, because it does not intoxicate given the level of usage

Eating

Around the world, different cultures have different preferences in the way that they eat. When a Muslim child enters your home you may notice that your foster child prefers eating while seated on the floor. They may show particular behaviour about washing their hands before and immediately after eating.

It might also become evident that a Muslim child will prefer eating with their fingers, as opposed to using utensils. Muslims usually observe the left and right hand rule of hygiene, in which the right hand is used for eating and the left hand is used for personal cleaning. However, this practise may vary from child to child as this depends on the degree of knowledge and their wiliness to practise.

Alcohol and other stimulants

In Islamic law all substances that have a detrimental effect on a person’s health are forbidden, and this includes alcohol and cigarettes. The preservation of the intellect is one of the primary objectives of the Islamic Shari‘ah (law) and mind-altering substances are subsequently forbidden.

The Islamic ruling states: ‘that which intoxicates in a large amount, is [also] forbidden even in a small amount.’ For this reason, most observant Muslims avoid alcohol, even in small amounts that are sometimes used in cooking.

Respect should be shown around your foster child if you drink alcohol or smoke as they may be uncomfortable in the presence of it. The behaviour of the child in foster care should not be taken personally but by understanding the religious implications for the child.

As with any other child or young person, a Muslim child or young person can become involved in substance misuse despite their religious beliefs. This may be a helpful platform to engage the young person into a conversation about these implications. The child’s social worker should be informed and can help you access the correct support for both you and the child.

Dress

Both Muslim women and men have an expectation of dress in Islam.

Muslim Females have an expectation to cover from head to feet once reaching puberty when in the presence of a male outside of her immediate family (essentially father, brothers, paternal, and maternal uncles and grandfathers).

A female’s face and hands may be uncovered although opinion can differ regarding whether a full veil is worn. Amongst other females, she is also expected to dress modestly with an obligation that the region between her navel and knees be covered in front of anyone. Women are encouraged to avoid wearing revealing, tight-fitting, and transparent clothing, along with that which resembles the clothing of men.

This being said, the individual’s own adherence to Islam will dictate to what level her dress represents her beliefs and how she views herself. As a foster carer, it is important to recognise the child or young person’s own individuality and support her to explore her beliefs, faith and culture.

Muslim Males are expected to dress modestly with an obligation that the region between his navel and knees be covered in front of anyone. Men are encouraged to avoid the wearing of revealing, tight fitting and transparent clothing along with that which resembles the clothing of women.

Some British Muslim young men prefer to wear clothing from the East.

This desire to dress in traditional Arab or Asian dress should be respected and considered within the context of the child’s desire to wear traditional Muslim and cultural dress. Muslim children and young people come from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and have different styles of clothing which represents their culture.

You may find that the young person prefers to wear a traditional dress. For example, a Pakistani girl may wear shalwar kameez which is a long tunic with trousers. Or she may prefer to wear an Islamic dress which is a long, loose dress which conceals the shape of her body. It is important to ascertain the wishes and feelings of the child or young person in a culturally and religiously sensitive manner.

Personal Care

Cleanliness is an important part of being a Muslim and the provision of a water bottle which, in most designs, has a spout and is used similarly to a bidet. The young person within your care may appreciate the provision of a water bottle.

Before prayer, the state of purity is important to Muslims and is achieved by washing in a ritualistic manner as laid down by the Prophet Muhammad. The hands are to be washed, the mouth and nasal passage are to be rinsed. The face and forearms and feet are washed alongside the wiping of the head and ears.

If you have any further queries, be sure to contact Foserline.

Caring for Jewish Children – Celebrating Hannukah

Caring for Black and Mixed Heritage Children

The 2011 census for England and Wales reported that 14% of the population identified as Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) as follows: Asian ethnic groups 7.5%, Black ethnic groups at 3.3%, Mixed Multiple ethnic groups 2.2% and other ethnic groups 1%. Many BAME adults and children will live in predominantly white communities unless they live in larger cities or communities where there’s a wider social and cultural integration.

Research has shown that BAME children are overrepresented in the care system and statistics collected from government data on 31.3.20 suggest that Black children were more likely to be looked after (7%) and less likely to be adopted (2%) compared with their share of the under 18 population (5%).

Asian children were less likely to be looked after (4%) and less likely to be adopted (1%) compared with their share of the under 18 population (10%). Children of mixed parentage were more likely to be looked after (10%) and more likely to be adopted (10%) compared to their share of the under 18 population (5%).

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.

Identity is important for all children but it is particularly crucial for BAME children in foster care who may be separated from their birth family, 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.

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.

Providing emotional support

The trauma of separating a child from their birth parents, wider family, and community is one of the worst traumas any child can experience. The effects should never be underestimated or ignored, even if many years have passed.

Therefore, because of this disruption, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) children may face several complex challenges that are physical and cultural, especially if they are placed with foster carers of a different ethnic group. Appropriate support and understanding are needed to negotiate these.

How you can support the child

It is important to:

• Encourage and enhance positive Black identity, culture, linguistic knowledge and skills
• Encourage positive and open communication with the child and everyone in the household. Work together on encouraging the child to be proud of who they are, and celebrate this as a family by taking part in significant cultural events or special days of significance You can explore different foods within meal planning for instance.
• Work with the child to develop strategies for living in a society where they may experience racism. Be a positive role model in calling out and challenging any racism or stereotyping that you may witness within your home and in wider society.
• Try to ensure that the child is not isolated within the home or at school by including them in family activities. Encourage other children in the home to involve them in their activities
• Find out what special interests the child may have and speak to the school about encouraging the child to pursue this interest
• Speak with the child to identify any problems he or she may be experiencing such as harassment, bullying, and racism
• Seek out appropriate people or voluntary organisations who may have the skills to assist with providing emotional support
• Empower the child to develop their self-esteem by praising the positive things about them
• Encourage the child to seek out and engage in recreational activities.
• Attend any relevant training provided by your fostering service on caring for children from BAME, Equality and Diversity, Black Lives Matter etc.
• Make sure you understand the broader framework of the Equality Act and your responsibilities as a foster carer in relation to the local policies and procedures in place.
• Seek support from your supervising social worker if you are concerned about any incident of racism and are worried about how to challenge this effectively on behalf of the young person.

Providing practical care

A child’s identity is based on a range of factors including their ethnicity, language, sexuality, gender orientation, family relationships and the community they live in. If they live in a culturally diverse area they will be aware of more people like themselves. However, if they are placed in a predominantly white area, they may feel isolated or excluded by their peers for being perceived to be “different”.

Practical things, such as food and diet, hair care, social activities, and education, are also very important in forming a child’s identity.  Below, there is some advice on how foster carers can meet these practical needs in regards to BME children.

Food and Diet

It is important to provide a Black child or young person in your care with foods that are familiar, both in the way they look and taste, so they can maintain their links or begin to build links with their cultural background. As carers, you have a responsibility to ensure that whenever possible, this is maintained.

Some cultures are strict about the food they eat as well as how it is handled and prepared. Where is this relevant, these procedures should be adhered to (see for example our specific advice on caring for Muslim children and young people).

Some carers who are not used to preparing food for children and young people from different backgrounds often can perceive this as too difficult, taking up too much time, and cannot see the difference it makes in the way a dish is prepared and cooked.

It is therefore important that carers understand the cultural and religious beliefs behind many Black children and young people’s diets. For some Black children and young people, strict religious and cultural beliefs may not have been followed with their birth families and they therefore do not perceive themselves as having any strict dietary need.

• Ask the child’s social worker for information on the dietary needs of the child
• Check to see if the child or young person has any religious and cultural dietary restrictions, if they have any favourite foods and try involving other members of the household in the meal planning process
• Do not make assumptions
• Introduce any different dishes to other members of the household so the child or young person does not feel isolated at meal times
• If you have been given strict guidance about a child or young person’s diet, do not substitute it with an alternative because you cannot see the difference it makes
• Try to develop your understanding of foods that are familiar with different ethnicities and cultures
• If in doubt, ask! There are plenty of books available in local libraries, there are recipes online, and your foster care service should be able to support you with this issue.

Skin Care

All children and adults need to pay attention to skin care. Everyone’s skin differs in colour, texture, and type. Appropriate care of a BAME child or young person’s skin is an important part of caring for their well-being and should not be neglected.

BAME people’s skin is often naturally dry due to conditions in the climate, so it needs to be cared for by regularly moisturising the affected areas with creams and lotions.

This is even more important during the winter months when the skin is more at risk of excess dryness. If neglected, it can often develop cracks. Not recognising or acknowledging a Black child or young person’s need for appropriate skin care products could have a long-term effect on their self-image and self- esteem.

Carers need to be aware that skin lightening products are popular in the UK market and should be avoided- some of these may be illegal or contain ingredients that can be harmful to health and cause permanent skin damage. Positive skin care routines need to be encouraged as part of self-care and independence skills for the young person.

BAME skin can be quite sensitive. Therefore avoid using alcohol based products as these can further dry the skin. You can care for a BAME child’s skin by obtaining the right products e.g. oil based products, body lotions, and creams specifically developed for Black skin e.g. Cocoa Butter, can help to relieve skin dryness and keep skin supple.

Lotion or cream should be applied on a daily basis (sometimes more than once a day) especially to the face, arms, and legs and after bathing.

Using bath oils in the bath is also helpful to keep the skin soft. Skin that has not been moisturised can often have an ashen appearance. If you are concerned, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Exposure to the Sun

It is often thought that because of skin colour, Black people cannot get sunburnt. This is a myth.

Black people can, and frequently do, suffer from sunburn if exposed to the sun for long periods. Sun protection creams should be used to protect against sunburn. For babies and young children, use a high factor sun cream.

Hair Care

In all cultures, hair grooming is an important part of someone’s every-day personal care and appearance, so it should not be overlooked. Adolescence is a time of great change that often presents some difficulties. For most young people, appearance matters and can become a real area of focus for them. It is important to feel good and look a certain way, as this often affects the way they are seen by others.

Too often, the hair care of Black children and young people in care is neglected as many social workers and foster carers have little, or no knowledge about hair care. They may even perceive it as being too difficult to manage.

A foster carer looking after a mixed heritage child (age 3) said:

“I did not know where to start with her hair. She was with me for several weeks before I got up the courage to ask a Black mother at the school for advice. I knew it needed combing and that is all I did and bunched it into a ponytail, because it was so dry. She gave me some tips on what I should use and now we try a different style every day.”

An awareness of different religious traditions and beliefs is also important. For some Black children and young people, hair should not be cut (for example, Rastafarian and Sikhs).

You should always check with the placing social worker and the child’s family about how to care for their hair and whether or not they can have it cut. If in doubt, seek specialist advice from a hairdresser specialising in black hair. There is also a great deal of advice regarding hair and skin products for Black people online.

CHOOSING POSITIVE LEARNING – TOYS AND BOOKS

Books and toys are often a child’s first link to learning and exploring the world around them. Therefore, when choosing play and reading materials, you should look to select quality items with good learning potential. In addition to this, it is important to be aware of the messages toys and books can carry. Many such items may present racist, sexist, and discriminatory images.

In order for children to happily live in a multicultural society, and play a positive role in it, we need books which reflect and respect the diversity of culture, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. At the early stage of their development, children are eager to learn and absorb knowledge quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial that the visual and written images presented to them do not show discriminatory views.

It is often said that if you can see it you can be it! Children who are BAME need to have books and toys that reflect themselves, their families, and their communities. This material should avoid stereo typing. Books and resources that share knowledge of BAME achievements in history, science, and other areas of life may help develop interests and inspire young people to think about their own place in the world.

Try to discuss BAME positive role models locally and in the media from a range of backgrounds including those from different genders, sexualities, and religions. This will help the young person embrace their unique diversity whatever that may be.

WHEN BUYING OR SELECTING BOOKS, SOME POINTS YOU WILL NEED TO CONSIDER:

• Who is represented in the pictures? Are the images mainly of white people? Do they reflect the multi-cultural society in which we live?
• Look at the quality of the illustrations. Are the skin tones correct, physical features, hair textures and styles accurate?
• Do they give an accurate balance and up-to-date picture of today’s multicultural society?
• Do they show people from different ethnic groups in positive roles in everyday situations, rather than nominal roles and stereotypes?
• Do they give positive recognition to the cultural roots of different ethnic groups?

MUSIC

Music plays a central role in all cultural expression. Therefore, it would be helpful to introduce children to different forms of music and instruments. Another good way to share and value a child’s own language is to learn a few lines of a song or nursery rhymes. Look around for CDs of relevant music or traditional songs/ lullabies that you may be able to borrow from a Library.

Look around for songs and stories from other cultures, not just those that may originate from White sources. Older children will already have their favourite bands or artists, and it’s important to respect that this is a key part of their cultural identity and to engage in this music with them wherever possible.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE INTERNET

Social media is used by many young people to keep in touch with their friends, to follow groups and trends, and to socialise. As with all internet based activity, it is important to be aware of which sites your foster child is engaging with and to ensure their safety.

However, social media can be an excellent way of helping a young person develop a sense of identity and belonging. It should be encouraged within normal safety limits.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 365

This is a website with news and resources for Black families throughout the year. There is a good section on fostering and adoption, lots of information about Black heroes, celebrities, food, music and education.

THE VOICE ONLINE

This source offers news, lifestyle, faith, food, culture, and business that is aimed at the Black British Community.

BLACK BEAUTY & HAIR

The site above is a lifestyle website with lots of hair and beauty tips for Black skin and hair.

BLACK CHILDREN IN CARE: HEALTH, HAIR AND SKIN

This book is an invaluable resource for foster parents, adoptive parents, guardians and anyone caring for black and mixed heritage children. This guide provides practical and essential information about hair and skin care, health, and nutrition. It gives parents and carers advice to help their children look and feel good about themselves.

Caring for BAME Children – Celebrating Diwali