The Black Care Experience Network Newsletter May 2024 Issue 7

WELCOME TO THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE NEWSLETTER

If you've received this as part of being a member of our Network, or if you've taken the time to download it, we want to Thank You for being a part of our story and legacy

As you read we hope that you will be inspired and challenged to help play your part in making sure that Black Children and Young People remain connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through the Care System

Once read, if you have any comments or thoughts, please feel free to share them with us, by emailing us at office@thetransformedyou.co.uk

Also feel free to share any best practice with us, as together we join forces to continue to make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of Black Children and Young People in Care.

OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

TheBlackCareExperience Conference2024

On Saturday 17th February 2024, we hosted our third Black Care Experience Conference.

The Theme for this year ’ s annual conference was ‘Changing Our Narrative Together, Is Love really enough?!’ bringing the Voluntary Sector Workforce and Children’s Social Care Workforce in the same room as The Black Care Experience and our Care Experienced Peers, to explore and find the solutions to help improve the Care, Outcomes and Life Chances for the current and next generation of Black Children and Young People in Foster Care and Residential Care; because the narrative says we have the poorest outcomes and life chances in comparison to any other ethnic group in the Care System

We asked ourselves and each other is LOVE really enough to change this narrative, help us heal and become who we ’ re meant to be? and what does this LOVE look like?

At The Black Care Experience, we see LOVE demonstrated through someone being Kind, Compassionate, Unconditional (no strings attached and

not incentivised) and Caring about a person’s welfare (wellbeing), and so the question also posed was, have the Care Experienced ever experienced this kind of LOVE in our Care Journey? and has a Social Worker, Foster Carer, or any other person within Children’s Social Care, demonstrated this kind of LOVE?

Through our Black Care Experienced Panel and our Workshop, we heard “Love isn’t enough, having someone who loved me still didn’t help me deal with my identity” We heard “Love is not enough, but it is important” .

Steve Stephenson MBE

Steve Stephenson MBE a retired trailblazing Social Worker and activist in the 1980’s, shared that in his time in Children’s Social Care he saw Black Children in Care who were “racially black but culturally white” .

Steve shared that whilst there were challenges with Black Children being transracially placed with white families he felt that the Service put some “Good people in awkward positions because there was no anti-racist training, no cultural competency training or any training on the difference between the African and Caribbean cultures” which led to Steve and his team creating ‘Black Identity Work’ to teach those Black and in Care about their culture and identity.

This work also helped the Caregivers understand and promote the culture and identity of the Black Child in their Care and the work helped Steve’s Colleagues throughout the Service to understand how to raise Black Children and Young People.

Working it out together

Followed by our Workshop, we agreed that in order to change the narrative, the System (Children’s Social Care) must understand that there is not a one size fits all approach to caring for Children and Young People that come into Care.

We agreed that those who work in the System, must take the time to actively listen and hear the voice of the Black Child and Young Person in order to care for them in a way that caters to each of their individual needs

We agreed and saw the need for those Black and In Care to have a space to learn about their culture, identity and heritage and be empowered to create their own narrative to explore and share their stories in safe, relatable spaces.

Michael Henry

Michael Henry challenged us to thi about how we would show up an advocate for Black Children and Youn People in Care when they come u against discrimination and racism School and in Society

He encouraged us to see how importa it is for Black Children and Young Peop to have a sound sense and healt understanding of who they are in view the negative messages about Bla Children, conveyed in the media.

Help from our sponsors

To affirm and celebrate our Black Care Experienced, gifts were given to our FREE Raffle Winners, with experiences donated or sponsored as follows:

Hair Cut Experience with SliderCuts

Manicure Experience (non gel) with Nails Trip

Photoshoot Experience with ShotByJo

Tasked with creatively writing about The Black Care Experience Journey in the spirit of the theme of our Conference, Ric Flo performed his original track ‘You’re All I Need’ with a guest appearance made by our Founder Judith AM Denton.

Needless to say, they brought the house down with this exclusive uplifting performance!

Make Up Makeover Experience with Make Up Artist Ayesha Blackstock

Hair Braiding Experience with Beaute By Brenda

Build Your Own Treasure Tress

Boxes of Hair Products that cater to Your Hair Care needs

A Gift of Dinner for two at Bills Restaurant was donated by a Care Leaver

Ric Flo

Where do we go from here

At the close of day the delegates were encouraged to ask themselves, in relation to what they have heard and experienced, what will they do differently?

What will they do to help make a difference in the life of the Black Child or Young Person in your Care?

How will they demonstrate a LOVE that is genuinely Kind, Compassionate, Unconditional and Caring?

What will you do to help keep those Black and, in their Care, connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage so that they can be proud of who they are and where they come from?

With that mind, we have the tools here at The Black Care Experience to lead the way and create a pathway to the change way need to see for the generations of Black Children and Young People who will enter the Care System.

But with that said, we were encouraged to continue to do whatever we can do, and do it well as it will have impact and make a lasting difference in the lives of Black Care Experienced, now and beyond their time in Care

“We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we used to be.”

Nelson Mandela

Hear what people are saying about our 2024 Conference

“Powerful, emotional and well organised conference.”

It was a great space to hear from others who work in the social care industry; especially hearing from people who were in Care, gives me more understanding of how I can better my Social Work practice.”

“BCE is brilliant and fun, and it’s a great space to learn about yourself through others experiences.”

“I came expecting to learn about young black care experienced viewpoints and you delivered. Loved the fact that the emphasis was on their voices and not ’experts’ telling us about research.”

“Full of truth, heart and was an inspiration!”

“I was nervous to come, but glad I came. I felt included and appreciated.”

“I had no idea what it would be like. Kept expectations low but was blown away by the love, attention and experience.”

“It was great! More LA’s should come!”

“I didn’t know what to expect, I though I would become triggered and that it would be very experience orientated from the Care Leavers part... which it was not... not traumatic... Inspiring.”

“Loved it! Left inspired to do more, advocate harder and love bigger!”

“The Black Care Experience Conference is the best CPD day in my Annual Calendar. Such an important space and time to reflect and explore essential issues for Black Care Experienced Young People.”

“A powerful space to share, reflect and think together about how we can care better.”

Our 2025 Conference will be taking place on Saturday 15th February. More details to follow.

Introducing BLACK FOSTER CARERS ALLIANCE (BFCA)

In recent years, the landscape of foster care in the UK has undergone significant transformations While progress has been made in various areas, challenges persist, particularly concerning the recruitment and retention of foster carers, especially those from minority backgrounds.

It is within this context that the Black Foster Carers Alliance (BFCA) emerged, driven by a passionate commitment to address the needs of foster carers and the children they support on a national scale.

The journey of BFCA began with a simple yet profound realisation: that foster carers, particularly those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, often face unique challenges and barriers in their fostering journey These challenges range from cultural and identity-related issues to navigating complex bureaucratic systems

Recognising the need for a dedicated support network, BFCA was founded last year (2023) by Rachel Cole, registered social worker and ex foster carer with a clear mission to empower

and advocate for foster carers nationwide.

BFCA is not just an organisation; it's a community a community built on the principles of inclusivity, empathy, and mutual support.

Our alliance is open to all foster carers, irrespective of their background or experience level, who seek guidance, assistance, and camaraderie in their fostering journey.

Whether you're a seasoned foster carer looking to share your wisdom or a newcomer seeking advice and encouragement, BFCA welcomes you with open arms.

At the heart of BFCA's mission is the belief that no foster carer should feel alone or unsupported in their noble endeavour to provide safe and loving homes for vulnerable children

To this end, we offer a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of foster carers across the country One such service is our helpline, available Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm for online chat and from 7 pm to 10 pm for phone support.

Our dedicated team of professionals are ready to provide advice, guidance, and a listening ear to foster carers in need.

But BFCA is more than just a support network; it's a platform for advocacy and empowerment. Through our advocacy efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Black and minority foster carers and advocate for policy changes to create a more inclusive and supportive foster care system.

Additionally, we provide training, resources, and networking opportunities to foster carers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of foster care effectively

Becoming a part of the Black Foster Carers Alliance is easy.

Simply visit our website www.blackfostercarersalliance.co.uk to learn more about our mission, services, and upcoming events Whether you're looking for support, information, or simply a sense of belonging, BFCA is here for you every step of the way.

In conclusion, the Black Foster Carers Alliance is a lifeline for foster carers across the UK. Become part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of foster carers and the children they care for.

Together, we can create a brighter future for foster care in the UK.

Why not take a look at our magazine to find out what's going on in the sector https://issuu.com/blackfostercarersallia nce/docs/copy of 1st edition february 2024

Have You Signed Up to THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE CHARTER?

The Black Care Experience Charter is a set of 8 commitments we’ve created to help Children’s Social Care Teams or Departments and Voluntary Organisations within Children’s Social Care, improve their service and practice of knowing how to shape a better Care Experience for Black Children and Young People in their Care.

As a signatory to our Charter, you’ll be declaring your support and commitment to improving the Care, Outcomes and Life Chances of the Black Child or Young Person, and keep them connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage, whilst they are in your Care or within your Service.

Although there are 8 commitments detailed in our Charter, you can sign up to anyone that relates to your Service, Department or Organisation The commitments are:

The Workforces to actively address the systemic racial inequalities and discrimination on every level across the Departments and Services.

The Workforces to be Culturally Competent, on every level across the Departments and Services Work alongside Services that are culturally specific and competent to work with the Black Community. Proactively seek to know and document the ethnicity of each and every Black Child or Young Person being placed in Care. Proactively engage in understanding and promoting their culturally identity and meeting their cultural needs.

Create a safe, relatable space for the True Voice of the Black Child or Young Person to be heard about how they are experiencing the System.

Create paid opportunities (inline with Industry/Sector standard rates of Pay) for Black Care Experienced Care Leavers to Consult, join Advisory Groups, co-produce and deliver training to the Workforces, from a Black Care Experienced perspective

The Workforces to collate real time data on both, the Care Journey and Outcomes of the Black Child and Young Person (not another conspiracy to silence).

By signing up to The Black Care Experience Charter you are making a commitment to help improve the Care, Outcomes and Life Chances of Black Children and Young People, by keeping hem connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through the Care System.

f you are part of a Team, Service, Department within Children’s Social Care or Voluntary Sector of Children’s Social Care and would like to sign up to our Charter, you must first obtain consent rom your Senior Leadership Team

For more information about The Black Care Experience Charter and to sign up visit:

www.theblackcareexperience.co.uk/the blackcareexperiencecharter

Our Voice, Our Time

THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE REPORT 2021

This Report will take you on a journey through the History of The Black Care Experience from the 1950’s to present day Voices of the Black Care Experienced.

DOWNLOAD THE BLACK CARE EXPERIENCE REPORT 2021 HERE

Voices of the Black Care Experienced

“My white foster carer cut off my hair as she wasn’t sure as to how to maintain it and that really left me distraught to some extent. I would always wear a hat and hated having to go into primary with my head shaved”.

“I grew up in a Caribbean household despite both my parents being African I believe I lost my identity and culture and I was forced to assimilate to the Caribbean culture which led to me having an identity crisis”

“I never heard anything positive about my culture growing up in a Pakistani household All I heard was stereotypes and ignorant offensive jokes”.

“I was placed with white foster carers & in residential homes all over the UK with white staff, there was no one who I could relate to & no one who could understand my cultural needs”

“I just wish I could have been cared for by a Black mother. I wish I could have enjoyed the food I wanted, felt like I was being myself. Even the music I listened to was not really welcomed I did not feel part of any family I was cared for by”.

“Black history in school only related to slave trade. [My] Own black culture [was] mocked by foster family”.

Read the full report here: www.theblackcareexperience.co.uk/t he-black-care-experience-report2021

RESOURCES

These resources will be great additions to your toolkit, to empower you with the insight and knowledge you need on how to raise and care for Black Children and Young People in Children's Social Care.

OUR HANDBOOKS

Our Hair Care, Our Skin Care

Our Handbook will provide you with in depth insight from our Experts, on how to care for the Hair and Skin of Black Children and Young People in Children's Social Care

We Are Not The Same

Our Handbook will provide you with the basic understanding of the 54 African Countries and the 34 Caribbean Countries from where the Black Children and Young People in your Care, may originate

Buy Now Buy Now

WHAT TO WATCH

White Nanny Black Child | Channel 5

Set inside a safe therapeutic environment, nine adults share their raw and revealing individual stories of how they were unofficially fostered by white British families between 1955 and 1995, as their parents’ pursued dreams of a better life in Britain.

The Last Tree

Growing up with his foster mother amongst the rolling fields of rural Lincolnshire, Femi's young life seems as idyllic as the landscape. But when he returns to London to live with his birth mother he begins to struggle with the culture and values of his new environment

As the years pass, he must decide which path to adulthood he wants to take and what it means to be a young black man in London during the early 2000s. His search for self and identity will take him on an emotionally charged and utterly unforgettable journey through various stages of his life.

Farming

Farming is a 2018 British film written and directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, based on his own childhood

The plot is about a child whose Yorubá parents give him to a white working-class family in London in the 1980s, and who grows up to join a white skinhead gang led by a white supremacist.

Handle With Care

Jimmy Akingbola takes us on an uplifting journey through his own experience as a child raised by parents of different ethnicities to their own. Handle With Care is an unflinching but celebratory, feature documentary exploring adoption, fostering,

children’s homes and the lived experiences of the parents and children of interracial adoption.

My Name is Leon

Leon, a mixed-race boy, and Jake, his white baby brother, are separated after their mother has a breakdown Leon is determined to find him and gets unexpected support along the way Although his foster carer Maureen, with her wild hair and potty mouth, treats him well,

Leon still longs to be back with his mum and younger brother, Jake So he goes on a journey to figure out more about the world, about love and about what family really means - all with his favourite action figure Sergeant Smith by his side

OUR DIRECTORY

Round Table Books

Round Table Books is an inclusion-led bookshop selling books for every reader, in the heart of Brixton, London

It celebrate underrepresented authors, writers and illustrators, stocking books from a wide variety of publishers

Kings and Queens Beauty Supplies

Kings and Queens is a black owned family business selling a range of hair care tools, accessories and products for afro tightly coiled and curly hair.

TRIM-IT

TRIM-IT is an Uber-style mobile barbershop delivering haircuts to doorsteps across London.

Afro Touch

AfroTouch Design makes greeting cards that celebrate Black culture, turning every message into a vibrant showcase of African heritage

Their cards celebrate Black culture, and are designed to bring people closer through shared heritage and joy

Please feel free to check out our Black Care Directory for more resources.

The Black Care Directory is a Consortium of Black Owned Businesses with Products and Services to help us all care for the Black Children or Young People in our Care.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Cultural Competency Training -

Raising Black Children and Young People in Children’s Social Care

This workshop-style training course has been designed by Black Care Experienced Professionals, to

Empower you with Knowledge & Insight into how to keep Black Children and Young People connected to their Culture, Identity and Heritage as they journey through Children’s Social Care Provide you with Guidance on how to be culturally competent in order to help improve the Care, Outcomes and Life Chances of the Black Child or Young Person in your Care and in your School Empower you with Practical Skills to help you personally develop and plan your way forward to make an impactful difference in the life of the Black Child or Young Person in your Care and in your School

Bespoke Consultancy

We will work with you to create a tailored consultancy package to help your service achieve its aims and objectives, to make a difference in the lives of black children and young people in your Care

Learn more about our consultancy package and our work with Bristol City Council’s Children and Families Services: www.theblackcareexperience.co.uk/trai ning-consultancy

How to book

To book training for your Team or Staff or for more information about a Bespoke Consultancy Package, please email: office@thetransformedyou.co.uk or call: +44 (0)203 128 7061.

We are currently working on a Project to help us get a better understanding of how many Black Children and Young People are in Care across England and Wales.

The Survey is only 3 questions long and will take no more than 3 minutes to complete.

Please feel free to share this Survey with your colleagues in Children’s Social Care. Thank you in advance for your help!

If you have a product or service that would benefit The Black Care Experience Network, why not advertise it here?

Our Newsletter is read by members of the Children's Social Care Workforce including the Voluntary Sector Workforce and the Black Care Experienced across the UK

Advertisement spaces start from as little as £30 and will be subject to our approval. office@thetransformedyou.co.uk

To advertise in our October Newsletter and to find out more email:

DONATE AND SUPPORT OUR MISSION

If you’re in Support of our mission, why not consider becoming a regular donor or making a one-off donation?

Whatever you choose to give, will help to make sure that Black Children and Young People in Care across the UK, are no longer hidden and disconnected from their Culture, Identity and Heritage.

www.theblackcareexperience.co.uk/donate