Black children lack role models

A total of 57 per cent of black Caribbean children grew up in lone parent households compared with 25 per cent of white children, a Commons committee was told.

The Home Affairs Committee, which is investigating young black people and the criminal justice system, heard that all the evidence showed children who grew up in married or two parent families did better at school and were less likely to end up in prison.

He said the lack of positive role models for young black men and the ‘promotion’ of irresponsible sex they were exposed to was having a negative impact.

Decima Francis from the Boyhood to Manhood Foundation also stressed the importance of black men being involved in family life. She also called for a return to ‘responsible’ parenting.