Hosted on February 11th, 2023, the Black Care Experience Conference conference brought together 125 delegates from various sectors, including the Children's Social Care Workforce, Voluntary Sector, and Black Care Experienced individuals from England, Scotland, and Wales. Their collective goal was to explore the significance of cultural competence and its potential to enhance the care, outcomes, and life chances of Black children and young people within the social care system, while preserving their cultural connections and heritage.
The report highlights the valuable insights gleaned from the small group discussions, addressing fundamental questions such as "What must Cultural Competency include?" and "What do you need to know when raising a Black child or young person in Children's Social Care?"
Key themes emerged, emphasising the importance of understanding and embracing the diverse cultures within the Black community, fostering diversity within the workforce, displaying cultural curiosity, and building stronger relationships with the families of Black children and young people. The report also addresses the urgent need to tackle racial bullying, trauma, and bias.
Furthermore, the report calls for mandatory training on cultural competency, anti-racist learning, and greater accountability within the Children's Social Care sector. It emphasises the significance of continual professional development and the creation of professional networks to support and enhance cultural competency.
The findings from the 2023 conference act as a solid foundation for implementing meaningful changes to improve the care and outcomes for Black children and young people in Children's Social Care.
To access the full report and explore its valuable insights, visit The Black Care Experience.