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Summary of Question:	Sikh Youths In Foster Care
Category:	General Q's from Non-Sikhs
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 10/22/2003 5:33 AM MDT

I am a white british female foster carer and I currently have an 8 year old sikh boy living with me and my family. He is only with me for 3 weeks respite for his family and I wanted to check some things out. I have tried to be very mindful of his culture and ethnic identity and have tried to introduce some sikh practices into our household as a learning experience for myself and my family.

What I wanted to check was this; we recently took this young person to a play barn. However, this is attached to a pub. I am aware that some religions stipulate that public houses are 'a no-go area' but I wandered what the Sihk community's view is on this. I realise now that I should of checked this out prior to going, although, the aim was to visit the playbarn and not actually the pub.

Also, I have looked at religious festivals that occur whilst this young person is staying with us. Although there are no Sikh festival, Divawli starts whilst he is staying with us. I asked him abut his views and whether he normally celebrates Divawli - he said that he does normally celebrate this festival. As a family, we don't practice any specific religion, but we do get involved with various different festivals and would normally acknowledge Divawli. Is this ok to go ahead as normal and include this young person in our Divawli celebrations?

Thank you in advance for your help.

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. Sorry this is answered late. Basically, your efforts are highly appreciated. You are correct that avoiding the pub as much as possible was/is appropriate for a Sikh youth in your care. Best if there is a separate entrance for the playbarn? If not, then whisk the youth through the pub, and don't stay in the pub to eat.
As for Divali, this is a major Indian festival akin to the way Christmas is celebrated in the west (by folks who might not be Christian!). So, taking a Sikh youth to Divali celebrations or trying to honor that in your home is appropriate and appreciated. Another thing to consider for Sikh youth in your care is Sunday Gurdwara. The child might know the name of the Gurdwara they attended. If attending that Gurdwara is inappropriate for the child's circumstances, finding another Gurdwara is appropriate.
If you continue to find Sikh youths in your care, I recommend you find a Sikh advisor to help you on Sikh matters. For example, many but not all Sikhs are vegetarian, eating no meat, fish, or fowl. There are many many Sikhs in England. And Gurdwaras, so look them up and explain your purpose and you will find what you need. Bless you,
-DKK