[This course will take you about 30 minutes to complete. You will need additional time (20 - 30 mins) to run an activity with the child(ren) in your care.]

Words are more than just words: they bring meaning. However, sometimes words can present a meaning that is different to what was intended. For example, “Get out of here” could mean ’leave’ or it could mean ‘I can’t believe that’.

There are so many formal terms used within foster care, they can make children in care feel significantly different from others their age. In 2019, TACT led a piece of research with children in care, foster carers and social carers, to identify common words used in the care system, find better alternatives to these, and create a guidebook called “Language that cares”. Taking steps to use language that makes the children in your care comfortable, can go a long way. This course will introduce you to the importance of using a “language that cares” and suggest activities to do with your foster child(ren), to develop your own glossary.

In this course, you will learn:
- Why language and words matter
- The effect terms used in care could have on foster children
- How to consider your own language
- Ways of talking about language
- How to create your language of care