Let's Talk Words - a care experienced perspective on the language we use

Let’s Talk Words, Language in Care, Language that Care; A Care-Experienced Perspective on the Language We Use

A transformative look at the language of care and how we can shape it for dignity, healing, and empowerment.

Language is powerful; it shapes identity, belonging, and self-worth. For children and young people growing up in care, the words we use in everyday practice can either uplift and empower or reinforce stigma and shame. As social care undergoes significant transformation, this session critically examines how we can align our language with new expectations, ensuring that care-experienced voices are at the heart of policy and practice.

Why This Matters Now

The Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy (2023) and the Supported Accommodation Regulations (2023) have set a new precedent for how we provide care, with a clear emphasis on relational practice, emotional well-being, and lived experience-led decision-making. Ofsted and policymakers are calling for an approach that moves beyond institutional language and ensures children feel valued, respected, and understood.

Through the lived experience of Mary-Anne, who grew up in care, this session immerses attendees in the reality of how ‘care language’ shapes young people’s identity and perceptions of the world. Attendees will experience firsthand the unintended consequences of professional jargon and institutional terminology, and then learn how to adapt their practice to use language that fosters connection, security, and belonging.

What You’ll Gain

● Step into a young person’s shoes – experience how everyday ‘care language’ feels from a child’s perspective.

● Unpack the impact of words – understand how specific terminology affects self-perception, relationships, and aspirations.

● Examine policy shifts – learn how recent legislation is pushing for more compassionate, relationship-based care.

● Challenge stigma and bias – explore how language reinforces stereotypes and how we can rewrite the narrative; consdier a personal files journey.

● Practical tools for change – discover strategies to create environments where words promote healing, not harm; develop therapeutic recording techniques and principles for practice

● Reflect on your own practice – leave with a heightened awareness of how to make language work for young people, not against them.

‘This was a unique opportunity to hear a very personal and moving account of the trainer’s care experience. It was informative, moving, and emotional at times.’

Who Should Attend?

This interactive 3-hour session is designed for professionals in children’s homes, supported accommodation, fostering agencies, and local authority teams who want to enhance their practice by embedding language that heals, connects, and empowers.

If the course is full, don't worry! Reach out to us at: office@childrenshomesquality.com, and we’ll do our best to secure you a spot or add you to our waiting list. Your enthusiasm is valued, and we’re here to help make this happen!

Join us to transform the way we speak about care, and, in turn, the way young people experience it.