Language in the Children's Hearings System ...

Language in the Children’s Hearings System

We are working on an exciting project to improve language in the Children’s Hearings System. We’ve created a group called ‘Language Leaders’.

Young people with Hearings experience, including those from OHOV, are working alongside a number of professionals who work in the Hearings System.

We really want to lead the way in making sure that all children who attend Hearings are supported to understand and be included, by changing the use of written and spoken language. The language that all children experience affects their wellbeing, sense of self and ability to thrive. Our overall aim for language in the Children’s Hearings System is that:

Everyone involved will recognise the power of language and use words, tone and body language in a way which supports children to feel safe, included and at the centre of their Children’s Hearing.

Here are some of the things that the Language Leaders group would like to see happen:

• Language will be based on strengths – reports should not be written about the avoidance of problems (‘no issues’)
• Reports and letters will be written in language that’s easier to read and understand
• Reports will be owned by the writer and the person(s) being written about
• Children will have some control over what is discussed in their Hearing
• Language will include the child’s wishes
• Reports will capture the young person’s own chronology
• The ‘right’ language will be continuously looked at and improved where needed
• Irrelevant background information will be removed from reports
• Young people will not have to repeat their stories and experiences to advocacy workers, just because they are independent
• Young people will be able to choose how they want to express their views
• Terms will be changed so no-one shortens them or uses acronyms
• Good examples of language used effectively will be raised and shared widely
• Jargon will no longer be used
• Report and letter authors will write directly to the child
• Authors and speakers in the Hearings System will understand the power of language
• Language used in legislation will be easy to read and understand (not translated)

To meet this aim, we would ask professionals and volunteers to apply each of these language principles in the Children’s Hearings System:

• Words will be personalised to meet the individual needs of the child, including taking account of the child’s own wishes and use of language
• All language used will be clear, easy to understand and will support children to be involved in decision making
• Reports, letters and discussions will reflect the strengths and positives in children’s lives, ensuring they are balanced against any challenges and risks
• Only language which is non-stigmatising and protects children from blame or distress will be used

It’s Time to Have Your Say

Are there words or phrases that you wish you could ‘bin’ from the Children’s Hearings System?

To help us identify words that can upset or confuse children and young people, we have created an interactive word bin. All you need to do is drag the words or phrases you don’t like into the virtual bin!

All your suggestions will be passed to our Language Leaders group to support them in making changes.