A care experienced perspective on language in case records

Across the UK, social workers receive varying – if any – training on sensitive case recording, Often the focus is on noting details for audit trails, managers or evidence for court. As a result, the focus on the child, who may grow up to read their records, is lost.

This session is delivered by a care-experienced social worker who has been at both ends of the spectrum having read her own records and written case notes from behind a computer screen.

Attend this session to:

• Understand the impact of poor, inaccurate or insensitive case notes on the emotional and mental health of care leavers. WARNING: real excerpts – some of which contain distressing information – will be used
• Develop an understanding of what constitutes good case recording that centres on the child
• Find out more about Subject Access Requests – the process for retrieving records and how to communicate clearly with care leavers about their rights
• Reflect on the importance of child-centred language, care leaver rights and power dynamics in the recording process

Rebekah Pierre, care-experienced author, campaigner and social worker