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
T
Therapy
Meaning: also called psychotherapy or counselling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and, or somatic responses (sensations in the body).
Preferred:
- Counselling
- Healing yourself
- Help to work things through
- Mental Health appointment
- My time to talk
- Talk things through
- Talking about my feelings
Notes and Comments
The term should be explained to the young person if they are unsure of the meaning of the word, as this not just a professional term within the care system
Transition
Meaning: a change from one form or type to another, or the process by which this happens. Such as moving from being looked after to leaving care, moving from foster care to supported accommodation and so on.
Preferred:
- Preparing for change
- Introducing change
- Slowly changing