Why?
The language being used of ‘contact’ and ‘placement’ encouraged children to be seen as the objects of intervention. Children wrote about wanting to be seen as individuals.
What did they do?
The language of the pledge was changed to making a promise to their children in care that included:
- Find caring homes for you, where you feel settled, with bedrooms that you like.
- Help you understand why you are not living with your parent(s)
- Help you to spend time with your parents, brothers and sisters if that’s what you want.
- Show our trust in you at home, in school and in your reviews, and offer support when things sometimes go wrong.
Impact
The change in language reflects the cultural change that has occurred within North Somerset, with children’s voices valued and a focus on developing relationships.
The change in language is visible in many of the local authority’s policy documents. It was also used by all those interviewed in North Somerset.