Addressing the Silence – The Impact of Race and Racism in Child Safeguarding
14 March 2025
A recent briefing by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, titled "It’s Silent: Race, Racism, and Safeguarding Children," highlights the critical need for child protection professionals to confront issues of race, racism, and racial bias within the safeguarding system.
The report underscores that while race and ethnicity significantly influence children’s experiences, these factors are often overlooked in safeguarding practices. This oversight can lead to inadequate support for Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage children, potentially exacerbating their vulnerability to harm.
Key findings from the report include:
- Invisibility of Racism – Professionals frequently fail to acknowledge or address racism and racial bias, resulting in a lack of appropriate intervention for affected children.
- Cultural and Faith Considerations – There is often insufficient understanding of the cultural and religious contexts of children and families, leading to misinformed assessments and support strategies.
- Barriers to Service Engagement – Families from minority backgrounds may face challenges in accessing services due to language barriers, mistrust, or previous negative experiences, which are not adequately addressed by professionals.
The report calls for comprehensive training for safeguarding professionals to recognise and challenge racial biases. It also emphasises the importance of incorporating cultural competence into safeguarding practices to ensure all children receive equitable protection and support.
This briefing serves as a crucial reminder of the systemic changes needed to create an inclusive and effective child protection system that actively addresses the impacts of race and racism.