2. Young people's concerns
Read the list of concerns below.
Do you think the seven children you read about on the previous screen have any of these concerns? Note: they are repeated at the bottom of this screen.
Your relationships with young people need to show your understanding, communication and management is based on their needs.
You can make a plan for the young people you care for using the list of concerns on the right as a guide.
Childrens' concerns:
I want...
1. To be listened to and to be able to choose for myself at least sometimes.
2. Not to feel different.
3. To be loved and appreciated for myself.
4. To be able to keep in touch with home, friends etc.
5. To be valued, respected and encouraged.
6. To have someone who will explain things and tell me what will happen.
- "Will I have my own room, and what time will I have to go to bed? What happens if I don't meet curfew? I can't sleep if I go to bed early, I usually go late. If I wake in the night can I make a hot drink? I can't go back to sleep otherwise."
- "What if I don't like the other people here, or if I think that they don't like me? Or if I get bullied? What if I feel left out?"
- "Who can I talk to and ask when I'm not sure? Is there going to be someone special for me who will listen to me?"
- "What am I supposed to say to my mates about why I'm in a home? They'll never let me hear the end of it."
- "What if I feel really lonely and depressed and I feel like harming myself?"
- "What is the food like? Do they know I'm allergic to nuts, and I can't stand broccoli? Will I have to eat in the group? I prefer to eat while I'm watching TV."
- "I feel lonely, I'm missing my family - when will I see them again? And can my friends come and see me?"