foster carers of different Religions and ethnicities

Children who are looked after are from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds. Ideally all children looked after would be matched to homes of the same ethnic and religious background, but this is often not possible because there aren’t enough foster carers from ethnic minority and religious groups. Due to the shortage of foster carers, Sparks Fostering asks applicants to be willing to care for children of any ethnicity and religion – if foster carers weren’t open to this, many children would struggle to find suitable foster homes close to their school.

Diversity in the identity of social workers is also important to Sparks Fostering so that we are better able to meet the needs of all of the children in care – foster carers and staff from minority groups may be able to help raise awareness, knowledge, respectful mutual understanding and respect for all foster carers, staff and children in the organisation.