Rachel Cole, a single foster carer, has found a way to make a difference for children in need. In 2015, she took in a 13-year-old boy who stayed with her until he turned 21. The experience was incredibly rewarding for both of them. Rachel recalls, “The young man I had in my care at the time flourished. It was amazing to see.”
One of the reasons why the boy thrived with Rachel was because he didn’t feel the need to constantly explain that he was a foster child, unlike in his previous placement. Rachel, who is also Black, understood his experience and provided him with a safe and accepting environment. This highlights the importance of having foster carers who can relate to the unique challenges faced by Black children and young people in care.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of foster carers, especially Black foster carers, in the UK. The Foster Network, the country’s leading foster charity, has identified an overrepresentation of Black children and young people in care. Additionally, there are more foster carers leaving the role than there are new joiners, according to shocking 2023 Ofsted statistics.
Rachel wants to dispel the misconception that Black families are not willing to open their homes to foster children. In fact, she found that many people were intrigued when she shared her own experience as a Black foster carer. By sharing her story, Rachel hopes to inspire others to consider becoming foster carers and make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
Overall, Rachel’s journey as a foster carer highlights the need for more diverse and understanding individuals to step up and provide loving homes for children in need. By doing so, we can help create a brighter future for these young individuals who deserve a chance to flourish and thrive.
Black children are disproportionately represented in the care system, and there is a shortage of Black foster families. In response to this issue, Rachel has founded the Black Foster Carers Alliance (BFCA) this year. The BFCA is a groundbreaking organization that aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in the fostering sector. Their mission is to empower minority families to become foster carers and collaborate with organizations to improve recruitment and retention of foster carers. They also provide support to non-Black families who are caring for Black children.
One of the key principles of the BFCA is to prioritize cultural competence and diversity awareness. By doing so, organizations can create a fostering environment that respects and celebrates the cultural identities of both children and families. Rachel, who previously worked as the operations director of Fostertalk, brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities within the fostering sector.
According to Rachel, there is a sense among Black foster carers and prospective carers that they face more scrutiny during the process than expected. Fostering involves an intrusive assessment, where prospective families are questioned about their family background, upbringing, and finances. Their homes are also thoroughly reviewed. Many people find this process difficult.
During the assessment, a social worker is assigned to the prospective family, and they visit the home multiple times over a period of three to six months. Rachel highlights that there is often judgment regarding the appearance of the homes and the financial situation of the carers. Questions arise about why things are arranged in a certain way or why there may be a certain amount of belongings in the home. The issue of hoarding is frequently brought up.
By establishing the BFCA, Rachel aims to address these challenges and create a fostering system that is more inclusive and supportive of Black foster carers and children.
RACHEL COLE: TACKLING THE BLACK TAX AND ETHNICITY PAY GAP TO ENCOURAGE BLACK FOSTER CARE
Rachel Cole is on a mission to support and encourage Black families to become foster carers. In her work, she has noticed a lack of cultural understanding and nuance when it comes to finances. Many carers and those who have dropped out of the process have experienced this firsthand. Rachel recalls a foster carer who was questioned by social workers for financially supporting her mother. This questioning, rooted in a lack of cultural understanding, put the carer off the whole process. Rachel refers to this phenomenon as the Black Tax, where younger family members financially assist their elders with expenses such as bills and healthcare.
The impact of these intergenerational financial systems is significant, particularly in certain communities. Even before the current cost of living crisis, younger generations were already shouldering the burden of supporting their elders. A 2020 research study conducted by the Centre for Ageing Better, Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), and University College London (UCL) revealed that Black Britons over the age of 50 are more likely to be among the poorest 20% in England.
The ethnicity pay gap also contributes to the need for younger generations to financially assist their elders. According to a report by the Runnymede Trust, UK-born Black employees earn 5.6% less than their white counterparts. This disparity is one of the many reasons why prospective Black foster carers feel judged differently in their assessments. Rachel emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding in these assessments.
Rachel’s goal is to challenge this bias and create a safe space for non-Black foster parents caring for Black children to ask questions. She believes that it is crucial to celebrate the willingness of white families to care for these children while ensuring they have the necessary tools and support.
Join Rachel Cole in her mission to tackle the Black Tax and ethnicity pay gap and encourage more Black families to become foster carers. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive foster care system.
Rachel Cole is on a mission to educate non-Black families on how to support their Black foster children. She believes that advocating for these children is crucial in breaking the cycle of what Barnardos refers to as “double discrimination” – when Black children in care face setbacks due to their race and lack of support. To address this issue, Rachel is developing a course and has written a book to provide families with the necessary tools to become positive advocates.
One of the key aspects of the training is understanding the cultural nuances and challenges that Black children may face. Rachel emphasizes the importance of answering their questions about their skin, hair, and cultural celebrations. However, she believes that the most significant aspect of advocacy is equipping foster children with the tools to navigate a system that often criminalizes them. For instance, she highlights that Black children are more likely to be stopped and searched, so it is essential to teach them how to navigate these encounters without being unfairly targeted.
Rachel also shares a poignant example of a white couple caring for a dual heritage girl who wanted to have her hair braided. The parents initially refused, fearing it would damage her hair. Rachel helped them understand that braids are actually a protective hairstyle and engaged in a conversation about cultural differences and perceptions. Similarly, the girl faced questions at school about wearing sunscreen, which she interpreted as racist. Rachel explained to the parents that it was important to understand the girl’s experience and why she felt uncomfortable, regardless of whether the intent was racist or not.
Rachel’s work is crucial because many people have questions and concerns but lack someone to turn to for guidance. She aims to support foster carers, encourage them not to give up, and empower Black and minority families to provide safe and nurturing homes that respect and celebrate the unique identities of the children in their care.
