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The Promise Team

Language guide

“Scotland must understand that ‘language creates realities.’ Those with care experience must hold and own the narrative of their stories and lives; simple, caring language must be used in the writing of care files.” (The Promise, Page 69)

 In August 2021, a working group was set up to explore how we could meet the commitment of The Promise to improve the language that we use. Together, with the help of people with lived experience of care of all ages from “Crafty Foxes”, “Mad Middles” and “TNT-Today Not Tomorrow” we have prepared a language guide. This guide includes language that needs to be eradicated, and suggestions of alternative more appropriate language.

In completing this work, we were guided by participation principles. These principles are:

  • Adopt a rights-based approach.
  • Create and support opportunities for engagement, participation, and involvement.
  • Ensure views and opinions are valued and respected.
  • Enable staff to support engagement, participation, and involvement.

We are pleased to note that these principles were fully utilised in creating this language guide.

Here is a sample of the language that needs to change. This is not a one size fits all approach and language must be tailored to the needs of the people we serve.

Language guide
Word and phrases we do not like Alternative suggestions
Residents Young People
Education School or College
Contact Family time
Unit House
Abscond/Missing Ran Away
Siblings Brothers and Sisters
Placement Home
Sanctions Consequences
LAC/LAAC Young People, Care Experienced Young People, use their name!
Challenging behaviour In distress, reacting to a situation, unmet need, upset
Defiant Strong willed Confident in their choices/opinions
Aggressive Reactive (reacting to a situation)
Attention seeker Looking for help/support Unmet need
Vulnerable Cherished
It’s their fault they are in care Through no fault of their own
Manipulative Assertive, intelligent
Putting themselves in danger Seeking reassurance elsewhere
Non engaging Not ready - look at organisation & family approach here
Non-compliant
Social work wean No alternative – just don’t use it!
Placing themselves at risk Seeking reassurance elsewhere
Promiscuous Seeking reassurance/comfort elsewhere
Making choices (drug/alcohol-related) Poor coping mechanisms, seeking something, survival mode
Hard to reach Not approached enough
Difficult Struggling to cope

Page last updated:
17 Aug 2022

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