This list has been put together by young people who have attended participation groups for care-experienced children and young people facilitated by Surrey Youth Voice. The young people who created this list were aged between 13 and 25 years old and have care experience.
Whilst this list was created by care-experienced children and young people and those who have left care, it is important to note that these are only examples of alternative words and phrases that can be used. Young people feel that it is the decision of each individual child or young person to decide which words, phrases or terminology should be used.
We have listed these words alphabetically and have included a definition to help explain what the word means if you feel it will help the young person you are working with or helping. Some of these terms required additional notes and comments, in these sections are direct quotes from the young people who created this list.
The direct quotes from young people are based on their own individual thoughts, and are not reflective of all care-experienced children and young people.
A to Z
B
Biological or Birth Parents
Meaning: a parent who has conceived (biological mother) or sired (biological father) rather than adopted or cared for a child and whose genes are therefore transmitted to the child.
Preferred:
- Biological or Birth parents
- Blood relatives
- Family
- Mother or father
- Mum or Dad
- Natural parent
- Parents
Notes and Comments:
"I think it depends on the context. I like first family for adoption as someone who is a part of a first family. Not everyone has safe or good relationships with their birth parents and it should be up to the young person how they're referred to"
"Ask what they would prefer them to be referred as"
"I don't think biological or birth parents is a bad term as it can get confusing if you call your foster parents mum or dad"