Care Experiences of Looked-after, Dual Heritage Young People: in Adoption and Fostering Where Should a Child Be Placed? Currently It is Skin Deep, but What if You're Black and White?

The young people who participated in the research reported in this book did not seem to have experienced 'identity crisis/confusion'. Yet, when it comes to placement issues the question of skin colour seem to prevail. There appear to be an instinctive disapproval by policy makers of the desire of parents to adopt children who do not share their physical attributes. A more informed, attitude is needed when considering placements for looked-after, dual heritage children and young people. Whenever possible it is desirable to involve them in decisions involving their lives. Basing provision of services offered to this group on mono-cultural values devalues them and ignores their unique needs. Professionals who put skin colour above everything, ignore the concept of class, cultural differences and ethnicity, which could influence whether someone becomes vulnerable or resilient to a given situation. All dual heritage people are bundled together as black, according to stereotypical assumptions. Stereotypes can be positive, but more often they are negative and flourish when there is indifference or detachment. Children are our future and all children must be given the opportunity to thrive.