Racism and the rise of the far-right: its impact on fostering

In a climate of hostility, Harvey Gallagher calls for action to protect children in care - and those who care for them - from abuse and the risk of radicalisation
demo outside hotel

Across the country, social work and social care are operating within an increasingly polarised social and political climate. 

As chief executive of the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP), I feel compelled to raise concerns about the growing visibility of racism, far-right extremism and exclusionary political sentiment – and the very real impact these developments are having on children in foster care, foster carers and the social workers who support them.
Foster care is fundamentally rooted in values of compassion, safety, empathy and respect. It depends on foster carers and fostering services being able to offer children stable homes in which they feel valued and protected. 

Yet these core principles are being undermined by the normalisation of hostile narratives about immigration, identity and belonging, alongside an increase in overt and covert discriminatory behaviour.

Children living in foster care are already navigating significant transitions and vulnerabilities. For unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and those from ethnic minority backgrounds, exposure to racism and exclusion may compound existing trauma. 

Experiences of verbal abuse, intimidation or social marginalisation do not occur in isolation; they shape children’s sense of self, safety and trust in adults and institutions.

There is growing concern within fostering services that such environments may also heighten the risk of radicalisation of ethnic minority young people. 

Children who feel isolated or unsupported can become more susceptible to grooming by extremist groups who exploit grievance and alienation. 

Safeguarding in this context must therefore be understood not only as protection from immediate harm, but as the active promotion of inclusion, belonging and positive identity.

Every child has the right to grow up in a home and community where they feel safe, respected and able to thrive. This is not an abstract principle; it is a daily practice that requires vigilance, reflection and leadership.

NAFP members have reported an increase in incidents of racialised hostility directed towards foster carers themselves, particularly those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. Such experiences affect not only foster carers’ own wellbeing, but also the emotional climate of the fostering household and the sense of security available to children.

In addition, foster carers and staff have been distressed by politically charged or exclusionary displays including the use of flags or symbols in ways perceived as deliberately intimidating or alienating. 

While symbolism can be complex and contested, its impact within care contexts must be considered through the lens of children’s lived experience and emotional safety.

Social workers and foster carers can feel they are left to navigate these situations without sufficient clarity or support. A lack of consistent guidance and visible leadership at sector and governmental levels risks leaving practitioners isolated and uncertain about how to respond proportionately and confidently.

NAFP believes addressing rising racism and extremist sentiment is a collective responsibility across fostering services, local authorities, inspectorates and national government.

This moment requires clear, values-based leadership that aligns with social work’s ethical commitments to human rights, anti-oppressive practice and social justice.

Key areas for action include:

  • Clear organisational guidance and leadership on responding to racist discrimination and behaviour that causes harm or exclusion to children and foster carers
  • Safe, reflective spaces for children, foster carers and social workers to share experiences and concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal
  • Embedding anti-racism and inclusion as ongoing practice in a sustained cultural commitment across organisations
  • Reviewing policies, foster carer agreements and statements of purpose to ensure they explicitly address racism, discrimination and the impact of political or cultural symbolism in care settings
  • Supporting relationship-based practice, encouraging practitioners to spend time with children individually and to ask open, curious questions about their experiences and worries
  • Building staff confidence to challenge harmful language, attitudes and behaviour constructively, both within teams and in work with foster carers

These actions are not additional burdens, they are integral to safe, ethical and effective fostering practice.

Creating a culture of safety and respect must remain at the heart of foster care. NAFP continues to encourage collective, sector-wide dialogue about how best to support children, carers and colleagues when these issues arise. We have written to both the children’s minister and children’s commissioner in England to request their support. Strengthening our shared capacity to respond to an evolving social and political context is essential if we are to remain true to our mission of protecting and empowering vulnerable children.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with fostering services, local authorities, professional bodies and national government to build an anti-racist, inclusive and safe fostering system. 

Through ongoing dialogue, shared learning and professional development, we can ensure that fostering remains a space of protection, belonging and hope. At a time of division, fostering must stand as a visible commitment to care, solidarity and humanity.