What is person centred language? 

Person-centred language puts people first. It’s about seeing care experienced individuals as whole people, not just their circumstances or labels. Instead of focusing on challenges, this approach highlights strengths, individuality, and dignity.

A person’s identity and self-image are closely tied to the words we use to describe them. For care experienced individuals, person-centred language shifts the focus to their unique qualities, strengths, and the things that make them who they are - not just their past or the systems they’ve been through.

When we use negative or deficit-based language - like calling someone "a problem child" or "troubled" - we can unintentionally create stigma and reinforce harmful stereotypes. This kind of language can depersonalise someone, reducing them to a label and making it harder for them to feel seen or supported. Even when it’s not intended to hurt, these words can shape how others view and treat care experienced individuals, which can affect how they view themselves.

This type of language should be personal, balanced, non-stigmatising, and inclusive:

• Personalised: Use words that reflect the individual’s preferences and identity, including how they want to be described.
• Balanced: Highlight strengths and positives, not just challenges or risks.
• Involved: Use simple, clear language that makes it easy for care experienced people to be part of decisions about their lives.
• Non-Stigmatising: Avoid words or labels that cause blame, distress, or reinforce stereotypes.

Why It Matters

The words we use can build trust, respect, and a sense of belonging - or they can unintentionally cause harm and stigma. Using person-centred language helps care experienced people feel seen and valued as whole individuals. For example, calling someone "a runaway" focuses on their behaviour, while saying "a young person who needed space to feel safe" shifts the narrative to understanding their experience.

When people use stigmatising language, it can create barriers to support and make people feel defined by negative labels. Positive, strengths-based language shows respect and helps build empowering relationships.

How to Use Person-Centred Language

Here are a few tips for using person-centred language:

1. Start with the person: Say "a young person with care experience" instead of "care leaver" or "LAC" or "CEYP."
2. Be strengths-focused: Talk about someone’s resilience or creativity instead of their struggles.
3. Avoid harmful labels: Terms like “troubled” or “difficult” reinforce stereotypes and should be avoided.
4. Ask what matters: Listen to how people prefer to describe themselves and the important parts of their identity.

Examples of Language in Practice

Take two different descriptions of the same person:

• Stigmatising: "Drew is a troubled youth who’s been in and out of care. They struggle to follow rules and often act out."
• Person-centred: "Drew is a resilient young person with care experience. They’ve faced challenges and are working hard to build a better future."

The second version reflects Drew’s strengths and respects their identity, rather than defining them by their challenges.

Words and Alternatives

To help you put person-centred language into practice, here’s a guide to some common terms and their suggested alternatives:

• "LAC" or "Looked After Child" → Use: "Care experienced person"
• "Runaway" → Use: "A young person who needed time away to feel safe"
• "Offender" → Use: Their name, or describe the behaviour without labelling.
• "Respite" → Use: "A short break to feel supported"

For more detailed examples, check out the glossary provided in SCRA’s Language That Cares Guide​. 

Final Reflection

Care experience is just one part of someone’s identity, and it’s crucial to recognise the whole person. By choosing words that focus on their strengths, respect their preferences, and avoid stigma, we can create an environment where care experienced people feel empowered, valued, and supported.