Storytelling Through Case Notes - Language, Empathy and Validation

This resource is designed to give participants an opportunity to critically reflect on their approach to the important work of keeping case notes, and to consider the impact of the language they choose.

Description

Language helps to construct our world view, and the words used to describe us and tell our story have a significant impact on how we view ourselves, our values, our place in the world, and, crucially, tells us whether we have been understood.

Whether you are a teacher, social worker, youth offending team worker, probation officer, foster carer or police officer, you will have the responsibility of recording your understanding of a child and their story in different scenarios. This webinar is an opportunity to critically reflect on your own approach to this important work and to consider the impact of the language you choose.

In this webinar you will hear first-hand testimony about the power of the written word, and how case note recording can shape an individual’s perception and view of themselves.

Research in this area has shed a light on our understanding of case notes and recording, and part of this webinar will be devoted to recognising why it is important to see these as an essential building block in person-centred and relationship-based practice.

You will get to hear about the innovative work taking place in this area, and where, through co-production, this has given ownership and agency to care experienced young people.

If you work with children and young people, this webinar will allow you to feel what’s at stake when writing your notes. If you’re passionate about the need to give young people the opportunity to see themselves validated in the notes you write, this webinar is for you.

Expect to be charged with confidence that you can make a difference, motivated to take the learning into your own practice and organisation and with an understanding of how it has been done in Aberdeenshire.

These resources will help you:

• Gain an understanding of why Aberdeenshire’s Throughcare & Aftercare Service re-evaluated their case recording processes
• Gain an understanding of the practical, low-cost changes that were made and understand how this has revolutionised the service
• Reflect on the experiences of young people in care, and the importance placed on case notes
• Gain an understanding of the power of personalised, person-centred and emotionally-sensitive case notes
• Reflect on the importance young people place on their relationships with the people they work with, and how this is reflected in the notes kept about them
• Develop renewed confidence in your ability to make a difference

Further reading