Removal of Roma children in Leeds exposes divide between migrant communities and rest of society

The recent unrest in Leeds, sparked by the removal of three Romani children from their family, has exposed the fragile relationship between migrant communities and children’s services in the UK. This incident, which has led to significant tensions in the local area, is not just an isolated event but a reflection of long-standing issues affecting vulnerable families. 

A study by Law for Life, Lancaster University, and Anglia Ruskin University, titled Come to Us in a Peaceful Way: Improving Experiences of Roma Families with Children’s Services in England, highlights the longstanding challenges Roma families face with child protection services. For generations, Romani people across Europe have endured persecution, including the traumatic forced removal of their children. This painful history has fostered a profound mistrust of authorities that continues to shape how Roma families interact with children’s services in the UK today. 

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In recent years, this mistrust has been worsened by austerity-driven cuts to essential services like Sure Start children’s centres, early intervention programmes and community outreach initiatives. These cuts have severely weakened the ability of social services to support the most vulnerable families, particularly in the migrant communities like the Roma. Overburdened social workers, struggling with heavy caseloads and limited resources, often resort to risk-averse practices, making it even harder to build trust and effectively support those who need it most. 

Brexit has compounded these issues. New immigration rules have left many migrant families in legal limbo, causing them to lose access to basic services. This legal uncertainty deepens the vulnerability and mistrust that many already feel towards state institutions. 

These combined factors º historical discrimination, reduced resources, cultural misunderstandings and legal uncertainties – create a challenging environment for migrant families. Without addressing these issues, the cycle of mistrust and miscommunication will persist, with harmful effects on both the families involved and the wider community.  

Despite these challenges, social services are well-positioned to support their communities if given the necessary reforms and resources. The study shows that community-based approaches, where social workers are embedded within local contexts, lead to better outcomes for vulnerable families. Programs focused on anti-oppressive practices and cultural competency training have been shown to significantly improve trust between social services and marginalized communities. To fully harness this potential, investment in relational social work practices is essential. This involves not only building stronger, trust-based relationships with families but also engaging more deeply with communities, collaborating across disciplines, and tailoring communication to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of families. Collaborating with local NGOs and community groups has also proven effective in bridging gaps between social services and the communities they serve, fostering trust and understanding, and ultimately leading to more sustainable outcomes. 

Failing to listen to these voices has serious consequences. It perpetuates a cycle of mistrust and conflict, where families feel alienated and misunderstood, and social workers struggle to do their jobs effectively. The events in Leeds are a stark reminder of what can happen when this cycle is left unchecked. It not only damages trust between communities and public institutions but also risks further isolating groups that are already among the most disadvantaged in the UK. 

This issue transcends one community; it’s about building a fairer, more inclusive society where all children – regardless of their background – are given the chance to thrive. The unrest in Leeds should serve as a wake-up call. If we fail to act now, we risk deepening the divide between migrant communities and the rest of society, with potentially serious consequences for everyone involved. 

By listening to and supporting these voices, as the study advocates, we can begin to repair the rift and create a child protection system that truly serves everyone. The recent events have shown us how urgent this task is – now it’s up to us to take action. 

Dr Joanna Kostka is a lecturer in social work at Lancaster University.

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