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
F
Foster Carers
Meaning: foster carers offer children and young people a safe, loving and nurturing home when they can't live with their birth families.
Preferred:
- Adoptive parent
- Auntie or Uncle
- Foster Mum or Dad
- Guardians
- Mum or Dad
- My extended family
- My family
- My new family
- People the young person currently lives with
- People who care about me
- Person or family who foster
- Second family
- Second Mum or Dad
- Should be decided by each young person
- Temporary placement
- The family that chose us
- Their name or nickname
Notes and Comments:
"Really depends on the person"
"This is one that needs to be self defined"
Foster Child
Meaning: a foster child is a young person who lives with a foster family when they cannot live with their birth family.
Preferred:
- A child needing love
- Child or young person
- Foster son or daughter
- Looked after
- Looked after child
- Young person's name
Full Potential
Meaning: to use your full potential means to become the best you can be.
Preferred:
- Achieve my goals
- Best version of me
- Full capabilities
- Giving it your all
- Hopes and dreams
- To be able to reach the milestones and dreams of the child
- You will make sure I have every chance to achieve my dreams
- Your path, your life, your meaning
Notes and Comments:
"It should be about improving someone's quality of life and making them happy, not about achieving success as other people define it!"