Resources

Some existing resources on language from the perspective of children and young people:

• OHOV 40 Calls to Action contains multiple calls by young people about the language used in reports and by adults towards them. It also highlights the need for language to be used as part of a relationship. For example, ‘social workers must spend time with me to explain the things they write in my reports’. 

• OHOV Zine– page 3 contains a simple animation of a duck where all of the words that flash up have been used recently to describe young people from OHOV in the hearings system. Dame Marsha’s poem on p.9 of the Zine references the power of ‘big scary words’ and Vincent’s TV Man animation whilst not solely about language, demonstrates what it feels like to be objectified in a hearing.

• Local Champs Boards across Scotland have produced some excellent examples where children, young people and adults have worked together to recommend alternative uses of language in care. We are featuring examples from North Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Falkirk.

• Each and Every Child Toolkit – this easily accessible toolkit gives a guide, as well as tips and advice, on how to frame language for all children and change the public perception of care experience.
• Kids in care: Changing the language – BBC News a short film showing how young people are trying to change some of the language used to talk about them.
  
• SIRCC webinar on language, focussing on the impact of the language we use on the children that receive it.
• The Family Justice Young People’s Board connected to CAFCASS in England &Wales, have co-produced some word busting resources directed at children and young people (and partial word-busting depending on legal restrictions).
• You can read about the Language Policy adopted by Renfrewshire Council here.