Responding to Irish ‘invisibility’: Anti-discriminatory social work practice and the placement of Irish children in Britain

Abstract

Irish people are the largest ethnic minority in Britain, yet social work has failed to incorporate an Irish dimension into the discourse of anti-discriminatory social work practice. Paul Michael Garrett argues that, despite this ‘invisibility’, Irish children are likely to have specific needs which arise from their experience. After underlining the importance of understanding the historical context for Irish children in need of placements, he discusses how legislation and some guidance documentation provide a foundation for evolving a more culturally responsive service. Despite an inchoate backlash against a professional sensitivity to the ‘race’ and ethnicity of looked after children, he concludes that it is still possible to promote changes which might better meet the needs of Irish children.