The Importance of Cultural Identity for Children in Care

Part of that story is their cultural identity, which includes their language, traditions, values, and beliefs. This cultural identity shapes how children see themselves and the world around them. 

Unfortunately, when children enter foster care, they often face many changes and challenges, including disruptions to their cultural identity. This can lead to feelings of confusion and loss.

Because of this, when you become a foster parent, supporting a child's cultural identity in foster care is crucial. 

Preserving cultural identity is one of the most important aspects of foster care. It is part of making the foster home a comfortable place for children. 

It’s exactly how Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland Foster Parent, puts it in her heartfelt letter to her child in care:

“Our home is a place where you can be yourself, where your thoughts and feelings will be valued, and where you will be treated with kindness and respect.”

Let’s explore why cultural identity is so important for children in foster care. We'll discuss their challenges, the benefits of preserving their cultural identity, and practical strategies to support them. 

Understanding Cultural Identity in Foster Care

Cultural identity is a vital part of who we are. It includes the language we speak, the traditions we follow, the values we hold dear, and the beliefs that shape our worldview. 

For children, cultural identity forms the foundation of their self-perception and helps them understand their place in the world. It provides a sense of belonging and continuity, linking them to their family, community, and heritage.

When children are removed from their familiar environments and placed into foster care, this sense of cultural identity can be disrupted. Losing familiar cultural practices and connections can leave children feeling disconnected and uncertain about who they are. 

Kinship care is important here — when children have the opportunity to stay with relatives, they also preserve their cultural heritage. Even when blood relatives aren’t able to care for a child in need, fictive kin often helps maintain cultural values. 

This is why it is so important to recognize and support the cultural identities of children in foster care!

The Role of Cultural Identity in Child Development

Cultural identity plays a significant role in a child's emotional and psychological well-being. When children feel connected to their cultural roots, they experience greater stability and self-worth. 

This connection can provide comfort and a source of strength — especially during the challenging transitions with foster care.

Emotionally, a strong cultural identity can help children cope with the stress and trauma of being in foster care. It is an anchor, giving them a sense of continuity amidst the changes. Psychologically, it helps build resilience, enabling children to handle their challenges better.

Cultural identity influences how children interact with others socially. It shapes their values and behaviors, guides their relationships, and helps them form bonds with peers and adults.  

When children in foster care maintain cultural practices, they are more likely to build meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging, which is essential for their development.

Cultural Identity Challenges in Foster Care

When it comes to preserving cultural identity, there are some challenges in foster care:

Disruption of Cultural Continuity

One of the biggest challenges for children in foster care is the disruption of cultural continuity. 

• Moving from one foster home to another can make it difficult for children to maintain their cultural practices. Each move can mean a loss of familiar traditions, languages, and customs, leaving children feeling disconnected from their roots.
• In addition to moving between homes, separation from family and community influences further increases this disruption. Biological families and communities are crucial in passing down cultural knowledge and practices. 
• When children are removed from these environments, they lose access to the cultural experiences that shape their identity. This separation can lead to feelings of isolation and loss, making it harder for children to feel a sense of belonging.

Lack of Cultural Competence in the Foster Care System

Another significant challenge is the lack of cultural competence within the foster care system. 

• Many foster parents and caregivers don’t have enough information about cultural sensitivity, which can lead to misunderstandings and unintentional biases. Without proper preservice sessions, foster parents may struggle to support the cultural needs of the children in their care, further removing them from their cultural roots.
• When we fail to prioritize cultural identity, children risk losing touch with their heritage, which can have long-lasting negative effects on their development and well-being.

Benefits of Preserving Cultural Identity for Children in Care

Preserving cultural identity for children in foster care is not just about maintaining traditions. It’s about providing a foundation for their well-being and development.

Emotional and Psychological Stability

One of the most significant benefits of preserving cultural identity is the emotional and psychological stability it provides. 

• When children connect to their cultural roots, they tend to have higher self-esteem and confidence. Knowing and valuing their heritage helps them develop a strong sense of self, which is crucial for their well-being.
• Cultural identity also offers better coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma and stress. Children in foster care often face numerous emotional challenges, and having a strong cultural foundation can act as a source of comfort and strength. 
• It helps them navigate their experiences with resilience and a positive outlook, making handling the difficulties they encounter easier.

Stronger Social Connections

Preserving cultural identity also helps build stronger social connections. 

• Children who maintain cultural practices are more likely to build relationships with peers from similar backgrounds. These connections provide a sense of belonging and community, essential for their social development.
• Connecting with cultural communities and traditions helps children stay rooted in their heritage. Engaging with their cultural community allows them to participate in shared practices and celebrations, reinforcing their sense of identity and belonging. These connections are vital for their emotional support and social integration.

Academic and Behavioral Benefits

The benefits of preserving cultural identity also extend to academic and behavioral aspects. 

• Children who feel supported in their cultural identity often show improved academic performance. The stability and confidence derived from a strong cultural foundation translate into better focus and engagement in their studies.
• Cultural understanding also positively influences behavior. Children connected to their cultural roots are more likely to exhibit positive behavior, as they have a clear sense of values and expectations. This understanding helps them navigate social situations more effectively and contributes to better school and home behavior.

How Can Foster Parents Support the Cultural Identity of Children in Their Care?

There are many ways foster parents can support cultural identity, including preservice sessions, education, and maintaining contact with biological families. 

Asking kids questions about their history, finding TV shows, books, or theatre that connect kids to their heritage, and exploring games or food related to their cultural identity all have benefits. 

Supporting children's cultural identity in foster care requires intentional actions and a commitment to understanding and valuing their heritage. 

Foster parents and caregivers can use several strategies to help children maintain their cultural identity, ensuring they feel connected to their roots and supported in their personal growth.

Foster Parent Preservice Sessions and Education

Preservice sessions and education are among the most effective ways to support cultural identity. 

• Cultural competence preservice programs are essential for helping foster parents understand and respect their children's cultural backgrounds. These programs provide valuable insights into different cultural practices, beliefs, and values, equipping foster parents with the knowledge they need to be sensitive and supportive.
• In addition to formal sessions, foster parents should find resources to learn about the child's cultural background. Books, online courses, community workshops, and consultations with cultural experts can all be valuable tools. 
• By educating themselves, foster parents can create a more inclusive and understanding environment for children!

Encouraging Cultural Practices and Traditions

Foster parents can be crucial in encouraging cultural practices and traditions within the foster home. 

• Celebrating cultural holidays and traditions helps children feel connected to their heritage and provides a sense of continuity. Whether participating in traditional ceremonies, cooking cultural dishes, or celebrating important festivals, these activities can significantly impact a child's sense of belonging.
• Providing access to cultural foods, clothing, and activities is another important aspect. Ensuring that children have the opportunity to enjoy familiar tastes, wear traditional attire, and engage in cultural activities can help them maintain a strong connection to their roots. 
• Books, movies, and TV shows are a few other great ways of preserving a child’s cultural identity, too!
• These practices reinforce cultural identity and promote a sense of pride and self-worth.

Creating a Culturally Inclusive Environment

Creating a culturally inclusive environment involves incorporating cultural elements into daily routines and the home’s physical space. 

• Foster parents can integrate cultural practices into everyday activities, such as storytelling, music, and language use. These small but meaningful actions help children feel their cultural identity is valued and respected!
• Displaying cultural decorations in the home also contributes to a sense of inclusion. Thinking about items like artwork and textiles from the child's culture can make the home environment more familiar and comforting.

Maintaining Contact with Biological Family

Maintaining contact with biological family members, whenever possible, is vital for preserving cultural identity.

• Facilitating visits and communication with biological family members allows children to stay connected to their roots and continue learning about their cultural heritage firsthand. This contact can provide emotional support and reinforce the child's identity.
• Preserving family heritage and stories is another important aspect. Encouraging children to learn about their family's history, traditions, and experiences helps them better understand their cultural background. 

Want to Change a Child's Life but Not Sure Where to Start?

There’s a lot to being a foster parent — including preserving their cultural identity.

But you don’t have to navigate the journey alone!

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care.

You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.