Families ‘prefer’ mainstream support

Support services for families from ethnic minorities should be
incorporated into mainstream service provision, according to a new
report.

The report, published by the National Family and Parenting
Institute last week, highlights a lack of support and planning for
services targeted at Hindu and Muslim families with south Asian
backgrounds.

Professionals expressed concerns that south Asian parents had a
lack of trust and confidence in support services and were anxious
about using them.

The report also discusses problems in current support including the
use of inappropriate and untrained interpreters such as
children.

Support staff should understand and be sensitive to a family’s
religious observances as well as to their race and colour, the
report advises.

Dr Fatima Husain, one of the report’s authors, said: “Families from
minority ethno-cultural communities do not necessarily want
separate services. They would be happy with mainstream provision if
their needs were being met and if they didn’t feel that they were
being patronised.”

Robert Tapsfield, chief executive of the Family Rights Group,
welcomed the publication of the report. “The findings mirror our
own and reflect the experiences of families who come into contact
with social services,” he said.

“Organisations need staff with a detailed knowledge of the
communities they serve. Ethnic minority communities also need to
know about the services that are available. And services need to
meet the needs of different communities because a one-size-fits-all
approach doesn’t work.”

– South Asian Hindus and Muslims in Britain – Developments in
Family Support
from 020 7424 3460

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