Social Work Week Event: Writing about children - recognising how language can impact a child’s journey

WATCH THE RECORDING

Please note that this webinar includes discussions of topics and experiences that may be triggering or upsetting.

LISTEN TO THE WEBINAR

RESOURCES

• 10,000 Voices: Children in care’s views on their well-being report

• Linda Briheim-Crookall's blog shares the key findings from a recent report by Coram Voice and The Rees Centre at University of Oxford. It is one of the biggest surveys to date that collects the voices of children and young people in care.

• BBC Radio 4 - Word of Mouth - The language we use about children in care.

• Audio clip - Writing about children - Rebekah's perspective on reading her records

• Audio clip - Writing about children - Rebekah shares why it's important to feel supporter

THEME

As part of Social Work England: Social Work Week (20-24 March 2023) - a programme of events from across the sector. It's aim to bring people together to learn, connect, and influence change.

The webinar examined how social workers write about children and young people. Care experienced adults report that reading their files can be hugely impactful for them. We discussed how language used when describing a child and their experiences can be interpreted at a later date. 

The session focused on a strength-based approach to writing about children, articulating qualities to celebrate and nurture, in addition to support needs.

For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).

PRESENTERS

Emma Fincham, Fostering Consultant and James Bury, Head of Policy, Research and Development, CoramBAAF