A lack of trust, based on historic discrimination, has damaged the relationship between Roma families and children's services in England, according to a new report, published today, which calls for a new Government strategy to promote social inclusion.
The report, entitled 'Come to us in a peaceful way' examines Roma families' experiences with children's services, and was carried out by researchers from Lancaster University, Anglia Ruskin University and the charity, Law for Life.
The report was commissioned in light of data that shows an increasing number of Roma children in the care system. In 2009, there were around 30 Gypsy/Roma children who are 'looked after'. This rose to 250 in 2015 and stood at approximately 600 in 2023.
The report features the voices of Roma communities, and researchers also interviewed social care and legal professionals in addition to examining previous literature on the subject. Uniquely, this study examined legal cases referenced against child safeguarding practice reviews involving Roma families and reviewed a range of policies implemented over the past 15 years which impact families in contact with child protection systems.
The research found that Roma communities tend to mistrust and fear authorities due to their experiences of historic persecution across Europe. It also found that social workers, when dealing with Roma children, frequently conflate the impacts of poverty with neglect. The challenges faced by Roma families in their interactions with children's services are deeply rooted in experiences of historical discrimination, societal biases, and systemic failures in processes.
Co-author of the report Professor Margaret Greenfields, of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "The trajectory of Roma history in Europe has included centuries of marginalisation and discrimination, including attempts at cultural annihilation involving the forced sterilisation of women and removal of children to the care of non-Roma families and placing of children in 'special schools'. For many Roma people, both in the UK and internationally, these experiences create an often well-grounded fear of authority."
The report also highlights inadequate data differentiation by Government departments, resulting in difficulties in understanding important distinctions between Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, exacerbated by a lack of research into Roma communities' needs.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including cultural competence training for professionals, addressing discriminatory practices and combating wide-spread negative stereotypes, supporting the legal empowerment of Roma families, and conducting further research to understand and respond to the specific needs of the Roma community in the British context.
The researchers make recommendations which are indicative of the necessity for a holistic approach to improve outcomes for Roma families involved with children's services in England.
These include calling on the Government to introduce a new Roma Inclusion Strategy (as is common in Europe) to address and alleviate the discrimination, isolation and poverty faced by the Roma communities; improved data collection methods to better understand the extent of Roma families' involvement with children's services; ensuring cultural continuity and family connections are maintained if Roma children are living away from their families, and high-quality training for social work professionals on Roma culture and social context in which they live.
Dragica Felja, the Head of education and training at Law for Life, said: "This report is unique as it includes the voices of Roma families who have had involvement with children's services, making it a valuable and timely contribution, especially considering recent events in the news."
Dr Joanna Kostka, of Lancaster University, added: "This study underlines the pressing need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the delivery of child protection services to Roma families in England. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this community and enhancing the cultural competence of children's services, we can improve outcomes for Roma children and families."
