Bright Spots is a partnership research programme between Coram Voice and the Rees Centre at the University of Oxford, which works with local authorities across the county to understand the experience of children in care and care leavers.
They want to explore how to improve the experiences of children in care and of care leavers. From a survey they conducted, it seems that children feel singled out, stereotyped and treated differently, which they don’t like. It is essential to understand how children in care and care leavers are stigmatised.
These children have suggested the following ways that social workers and other professionals could support them:
- Do not use words that make them feel different, try to avoid acronyms and words that are not on their language level .
- Care records should be addressed to the child or young person.
- Social workers should make records easier for for young people to read.
- Instead of using the words ‘placement’, ‘contact’ and ‘respite’, use ‘home’, ‘family time’ and ‘break for children’. (Shown in a video made in North Yorkshire by young people)
- Use the care language among colleagues too.
- Model this positive way of communicating.
- Let the child decide if they want others to know about their care status.
- Meetings should be held outside of school hours. (So they do not miss class)
- Ask the child how they would like to be referred to in public meetings.
- Ask permission to advocate for them with others. (Social workers should not go to the child's workplace, or call their managers)
- Always highlight their potential and praise them.
- As being in care has a negative association, social workers should balance this with positive stories.
- Always note what the child is good in/talented at.
Many other councils have also supported children and young people to collectively challenge this stigma and to help change stereotypes about children in care.
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