People in Harmony

Placement policy: ‘Does Section 22 (5) (c) of the Children Act 1989’ act on the ‘best interest’ of the dual heritage young person or child?

When considering placements for all children and young people, Section 22 (5) (c) of the Children Act 1989 stresses the importance of considering their religion, race, language and cultural background.

By Ufoo-Vicky Lambeth

September 2004

Mixed race children have been over represented in the public care system for too long and now a new report shows that mixed race children are also much more likely to be excluded from school and to be considered as problems. The report 'Understanding the Educational Needs of Mixed Heritage Children' recommends that the Department for Education and Skills would benefit from wider consultation with People in Harmony (PIH), the mixed race organisation based in Slough. PIH is praised in the report for 'bringing an understanding of the history and issues facing mixed heritage people in UK and for the range of resources it produces which the government, LEA's and schools could effectively draw on'. Tina Attoh, PIH member and film maker said "I was pleased to find out that an organisation exists to support mixed race people and their families. People in Harmony has been around for a long time and offers support as well as critical thinking about mixed race issues."