RT Article
T1 The Salience of Islam to Muslim Heritage Children’s Experiences of Identity, Family, and Well-Being in Foster Care
JF Religions
VO 12
IS 6
A1 Cheruvallil-Contractor, Sariya
A1 Halford, Alison
A1 Phiri, Mphatso Boti
LA English
PB MDPI
YR 2021
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/176175422X
AB All children need permanent and secure homes in which they can explore their identities and evolve as human beings, citizens, and family members, and within which can they have a sense of security, continuity, stability, and belonging. There are approximately 4500 children of Muslim heritage in the care system in England and Wales, and this number is increasing. Using case studies that emerged from qualitative fieldwork, this article examines the role and impact of religion on children’s journeys through the care system, particularly in foster care. This article concludes that irrespective of the level of engagement Muslim heritage children in the care system have with their religious heritage, Islam has an enduring impact on how they perceive their identities. As a result, there is a pressing need for social workers and foster carers who care for these children to gain greater insights into Islam and Muslim culture. Such insights and understandings will help children settle faster and form stronger bonds of attachment with their foster carers, and in the long term, this will enhance life outcomes for these children.
K1 Britain
K1 Islam
K1 Muslims
K1 Adoption
K1 children in care
K1 Faith
K1 Foster care
K1 Identity
K1 looked-after children
K1 Orphans
DO 10.3390/rel12060381