Fostering Mixed Race Children : Everyday Experiences of Foster Care

The 'mixed race' classification is known to be a factor of disadvantage in children's social care and this fastest growing population is more likely than any other ethnic group to experience care admission. How does knowledge of 'mixedness' underpin policy and practice? How, when and why is the classification 'mixed' a disadvantage? Through narrative interviews with children currently in foster care, Fostering Mixed Race Children examines the impact of care processes on children's everyday experiences. Peters shows how the 'mixed race' classification affects care admission, including both short and long term fostering and care leaving, and shapes the experiences of children in often adverse ways. The book moves away from the psychologising of 'mixedness' towards a much-needed sociological analysis of 'mixedness' and 'mixing' at the intersection of foster care processes. This book will be of interest to academics and practitioners working with families and children. Peters presents a child-centred narrative focus and offers unique insights into a complex area. The ‘mixed race’ classification is known to be a factor of disadvantage in children’s social care and this fastest growing population is more likely than any other ethnic group to experience care admission. How does knowledge of ‘mixedness’ underpin policy and practice? How, when and why is the classification ‘mixed’ a disadvantage? Through narrative interviews with children currently in foster care, __Fostering Mixed Race Children__examines the impact of care processes on children’s everyday experiences. Peters shows how the ‘mixed race’ classification affects care admission, including both short and long term fostering and care leaving, and shapes the experiences of children in often adverse ways. The book moves away from the psychologising of ‘mixedness’ towards a much-needed sociological analysis of ‘mixedness’ and ‘mixing’ at the intersection of foster care processes. This book will be of interest to academics and practitioners working with families and children. Peters presents a child-centred narrative focus and offers unique insights into a complex area. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Care Matters and Mixed Race Children....Pages 1-5 Fostering Mixed Race Children....Pages 7-22 Understanding Mixedness: Concepts, Categories, and People....Pages 23-54 Researching Mixedness as a Category of Experience....Pages 55-65 The First Year in Care and the Matrix of Classifications....Pages 67-98 Family Ties Through the Lens....Pages 99-126 A Portrait of Transience Through Care....Pages 127-155 The Leaving Care Transition....Pages 157-182 Learning from Mixed Race Children in Foster Care....Pages 183-191 Back Matter....Pages 193-215 Care Matters And Mixed Race Children -- Fostering Mixed Race Children -- Understanding Mixedness: Concepts, Categories, And People -- Researching Mixedness As A Category Of Experience -- The First Year In Care And The Matrix Of Classifications -- Family Ties Through The Lens -- A Portrait Of Transience Through Care -- The Leaving Care Transition -- Learning From Mixed Race Children In Foster Care. Fiona Peters Includes Bibliographical References (pages 195-205) And Index.