Sania Khan, an Indian-origin social worker and Director of Silver Lining Fostering, has overcome significant personal and societal challenges to emerge as a trailblazer in fostering and child welfare.
Raised in a close-knit village in India, Sania developed a deep appreciation for community care and collective responsibility early in life. These values became the foundation of her passion for child welfare. For Sania, fostering is more than just a career—it’s a heartfelt commitment to providing care and protection to children in need. Guided by the principle, "It takes a village to raise a child," she has made this belief the cornerstone of her work at Silver Lining Fostering.
As an Asian Muslim woman in a foreign country, Sania faced the added challenge of proving her worth in a landscape often fraught with biases. Her resilience was put to the ultimate test in 2017 when she experienced a second bout of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, leaving her unable to walk. Learning to walk again while simultaneously establishing Silver Lining Fostering was a testament to her unwavering determination and strength.
Today, under Sania’s leadership, Silver Lining Fostering supports over 70 children and 55 foster families across London and the Midlands. The agency has not only transformed the lives of vulnerable children but also empowered foster carers from diverse cultural backgrounds to create inclusive and nurturing homes.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Sania shares her insights into the South Asian community’s evolving perspective on fostering and adoption, the unique challenges faced by the community, and the gradual yet significant shifts in attitudes over the years.
Fostering and adoption are not commonly discussed topics in South Asian communities. What cultural factors do you think contribute to this, and how can they be addressed?
Fostering and adoption may clash with traditional South Asian values centred around biological lineage and inheritance, which can deter community members from considering these options. At Silver Lining Fostering, we address these cultural hesitations by engaging in dialogues that respect and incorporate our cultural values, showing how fostering is another form of community support. By working with community leaders and using relatable success stories, we are slowly changing perceptions and showing that fostering is indeed a noble and rewarding extension of our cultural practices of supporting one another. A negative perception of social workers also puts people off; however, the majority of our foster carers are from South Asian heritage, and we work together as a family—it is not as daunting; we support you all the way through challenges—you are never alone.
What are some of the unique challenges faced by South Asian foster carers, and how does your agency support them?
South Asian foster carers face specific challenges, including language barriers, dietary needs, and maintaining cultural traditions. We help our carers overcome these challenges by offering support through multilingual staff who can communicate effectively in various South Asian languages and by providing culturally appropriate resources. Our training programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that foster carers are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of the children they care for, making fostering a less daunting and more rewarding experience. Meeting one's own religious expectations alongside the religious needs of children from other religions is a unique challenge. We give practical advice on how to strike a balance and create a home that respects everyone's beliefs.
Have you noticed a change in attitudes within the South Asian community toward fostering and adoption over the years?
There has been a positive change in how fostering and adoption are viewed within the South Asian community. Initially met with scepticism, these concepts are now gaining acceptance, thanks to increased educational efforts and the sharing of inspiring stories from within the community itself. Our agency’s focus on cultural sensitivity has facilitated this shift, helping potential foster carers see how they can provide a loving home while still honouring their cultural and religious identities. More adult children of South Asian foster carers are taking up fostering as a career, which is encouraging to see. We are investing in the next generation of foster carers who were once children who grew up alongside foster children.
How do you think fostering and adoption can be better promoted within the South Asian community? What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community considering becoming a foster carer?
To better promote fostering within the South Asian community, we need to continue educating about the profound impact foster care can have on both the child and the carer. Dispelling common myths around fostering is also crucial—for instance, prospective carers do not need to be fluent in English or own a home to foster a child. Social media and mainstream media like Asian Voice can play a significant role in promoting fostering within the South Asian community. For those in the South Asian community contemplating this journey, I would advise them to consider the dual benefits of fostering: the chance to profoundly impact a child's life and the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career from the comfort of their home. At Silver Lining Fostering, we are committed to guiding you through every step, ensuring you have the support and resources needed to succeed as a foster carer. If you are considering fostering, visit our website at www.silverliningfostering.co.uk to learn more about fostering, or give us a call on 0208 150 7238, and we'd be happy to answer any questions that you have.
