Exploring child protection professional's perspectives on ethnic inequalities in the United Kingdom

Hannah Price-Jones

doi:10.37291/jces.839

Authors

Hannah Price-Jones Swansea University 0009-0001-5444-0250

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37291/jces.839

Keywords:

Ethnic inequalities, Children’s social care, Survey, Quantitative research, Professionals perspectives

Abstract

Ethnic inequalities within the children's social care system remain a concern in the United Kingdom, with evidence that children from certain “minority'’ ethnic groups enter care at rates higher than their proportion in the general child population. While some ethnicities, including Black and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, face heightened intervention, others such as children from Asian communities, are underrepresented. Children’s social care in the United Kingdom refers to the statutory services provided by local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are at risk of harm. This research reports the quantitative findings from Phase 1 of a larger sequential mixed-methods study. The quantitative phase consisted of an online survey of 244 professionals across children’s social care. The survey explored patterns in the professional perspectives, training experiences, and knowledge, providing an empirical foundation for later qualitative phases. This study responds to limitations in the evidence base, including inconsistencies in how ethnicity is recorded and interpreted in children’s social care, by examining patterns of ethnic inequalities where certain groups experience disproportionate intervention, unequal outcomes across referrals, assessments and longer-term care experiences. Descriptive and inferential analyse revealed that 39.8% of participants had witnessed ethnic inequalities and 53.3% reported racial prejudice within the system. Cultural misunderstandings, poverty and inadequate training were identified as key influences. Professionals from marginalised ethnic backgrounds were more likely to recognise inequalities. Findings highlight gaps in cultural competence and workforce training, indicating the need for stronger professional development and culturally informed policy.

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