I take it this quote comes from a social work report, for the courts...underpinning a decision to have the child in a same race adoptive family. Setting aside the fact the usually i agree with same race adoptions, and that this is but a small excerpt of the report taken out of context...

that said the above paragraph does not make sense and cannot in my opinion evidence a decision of that magnitude... for the following reasons: Whilst the majority of blacks do live in London, I do not see how living amongst other black people would by itself provide a link to one heritage.. that is at best a superficial argument that doesn't hold water.. It would also be interesting to note what is meant by 'black heritage' and how this would be maintained by living in London?


However I can also see the argument depending on the area, of how being isolated can have an adverse effect on a black child.. My key spar, was such a child and i know through his pain that he really struggled when he tried to re-socialise with his peers as a teenager.. However the difference then to now i would have said is that the climate is different now in terms of black presence in the media, in music and educational material.. So I'm not sure the isolation argument stands up these days.

To balance my comments if i were writing this report my argument would be based on my view on how best to equip this child to function socially and to have the best chance to forfil their potential educationally, with tight parental boundaries. Love or the illussion of love would not be a criteria i would use for placing a child... My criteria would be the person's ability to parent now and more importantly in the future....and to be educated properly. If that is with you J.jewel then the above argument is to put it bluntly lazy... if not then J.jewel the social worker who wrote the rubbish should have been professionally ability to better evidence their view, spelling out in clear terms why their decision is in the 'BEST INTEREST' of the child.. that view should be transparent and underpinned with clear evidence why you are not the best option for the child...

As painful as it might be to you that is what should have happened, if it didn't then your job if i'm gonna be blunt is to now ensure what ever plans they have is in your grandchild's best interest and is properly thought out and robust... if not you should be attacking that and not get stuck on seeing this as a slight on you or your ability as a parent...