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
S
Siblings
Meaning: each of two or more children or offspring having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister.
Preferred:
- Family
- My brother or sister
- My relatives
- People who are related to me
Notes and Comments
The term should be explained as an inclusive word for brother or sister.
"They are my brother and sister, that is what I've always called them. Why so they have to be called something different?"
Sick
Meaning: affected by physical or mental illness.
Preferred:
- ill or illness
- In pain
- Low
- Mentally and, or physically unwell
- Not well
- Uncomfortable
- Under the weather
- Unwell
Social Worker
Meaning: professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people. Social workers work with many different populations and types of people, particularly focusing on those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty.
Preferred:
- Case worker
- Coordinator
- Family government agent
- One to one worker
- Social worker
- Someone who understands your family background and knows what you have been through
Staff, Support Worker, Unit Manager
Meaning: someone who looks after the well-being of people in their daily lives. Usually working in children's homes or similar accommodation for looked after children.
Preferred:
- Home manager
- Their name
Notes and Comments:
"Don't use the word 'Unit'. This is our home"
Stat Visit or Statutory Visit
Meaning: the visits that Social workers are required to do, where the child is subject to a Child Protection Plan or where they are a Child in Care.
Preferred:
- 6 weeks catch up
- Catch up
- Coming to see you
- Coming to visit to see how we're doing
- Drop in
- For a visit
- Regular catch up
- Required check up
- Social visit
- Social worker visit