Improving the way family support services work for minority ethnic families

Report authors: Stephanie Waddell, Miriam Sorgenfrei, Grace Freeman, Montel Gordon, Milly Steele, Hannah Wilson

Published by: Early Intervention Foundation, June 2022

High-quality family support, delivered in the right way at the right time, can make a real difference for children and their families. There are, however, stark and persistent inequalities in outcomes for children from minority ethnic groups and many families struggle to get the help they need at the time they need it.

Although persistent inequalities in outcomes for children from minority ethnic groups are well known, there is limited understanding of the reasons behind them. Evidence shows that some risk factors disproportionately affect certain ethnic groups and that children and families may be exposed to discrimination or disadvantage based on their personal characteristics, and that experiences of racism can affect child development.

It is vital that family support services are working for minority ethnic families.

About the research

The research was carried out by the Early Intervention Foundation in partnership with the Race Equality Foundation and Action for Children.

The research project was guided by parents and young people with experience of seeking or accessing family support, as well as by an advisory board.

The research project collected two strands of primary data. The first was a qualitative survey with 102 parents and 59 young people (aged 12 to 18); the second was a series of complementary focus groups, including two sessions with young people and one with parents. Survey responses were collected via the SpeakOut website, which was promoted by distribution through a network of services and community groups.

Five key findings