Language and Trauma Informed Practice

Communicate to Connect supports practitioners to use “language that cares.”

Research shows that children’s voices are rarely or briefly reflected in their own records (The MIRRA (Memory – Identity – Rights in Records – Access) 2019. This system information is much more than just data… it is the child’s story, and as such, we owe it to them to write it with them in mind, affording them the due diligence and respect they deserve.
‘Language that cares’ should be ‘caring language’. We are communicating to connect.

• Person-centered: Focused on the young person’s strengths, preferences, and individuality.
• Empowering: Encourages autonomy and self-worth.
• Respectful and non-judgmental: Avoids labels or deficit-based language.
• Emotionally attuned: Acknowledges feelings and experiences with empathy.