When children enter foster care, they lose more than just their homes—they lose their family connections, cultural identity, and access to their history. In this episode, we speak with Shanika Bynum about what it means to truly support children in care, beyond just placement.
Shanika shares insights on how foster care often erases a child’s sense of self, why maintaining family ties and cultural traditions is essential, and how both biological and foster parents can help children navigate these challenges. She also discusses the importance of culturally competent caregiving and how foster parents can embrace a child’s background rather than expecting them to conform.
Listen as we discuss:
- Why children in foster care seek out their biological families—no matter what
- The role of cultural competency in foster parenting
- How separation impacts a child’s sense of identity and belonging
- Ways to keep family connections strong, even during separation
This episode is for advocates, social workers, foster parents, and anyone committed to a child welfare system that centers family preservation and cultural identity.
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