Disabled children from minority groups face significant barriers when accessing the support they need from social care compared to white disabled children and their families due to poor understanding of their needs and a system focused on protection rather than support.
The findings are from a new report from the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) which was co-produced by parents and drew on a comprehensive literature review and qualitative information gathered from interviews with parents and carers of young disabled people from these communities.
It found that lack of support resulted in these children suffering from higher levels of anxiety and isolation and poorer mental health. In addition, assumptions about race mean social workers have a tendency to approach ethnic minority families through a child protection lens, rather than offering support in caring for their disabled child.
The DCP is now urging the Department for Education to focus on supporting disabled children in black and Asian ethnic minority communities in its reforms to children’s social care.
Research also found that families with disabled children from black and Asian ethnic minority groups may have a reduced frame of reference because of a lack of understanding around disability within their peer groups and therefore families may need more time and support to adjust to a diagnosis.
The resulting isolation they feel may also mean they approach services for help when their needs are more complex or at crisis point. Many emphasised that attempts to explain their level of isolation were not understood during social care assessments.
The report says that local authorities should review their services and processes, and the information and guidance they provide about them, to ensure they meet the specific needs of families with disabled children from black and Asian minority ethnic backgrounds. They also should monitor the impact of their support on children and families, with a focus on intersectionality and the voice of children and families.
It adds that they should work with the voluntary sector and community groups to develop capacity, improve understanding of disability, and overcome isolation.
The Disabled Children’s Partnership is is a coalition of over 120 organisations that campaigns for improved support services for disabled children, young people and their families.
