{"id":32020,"date":"2022-12-01T17:43:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T17:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/caseyfamilyv2.wpengine.com\/use-of-language-2\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T16:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T16:07:01","slug":"uso-del-lenguaje","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casey.org\/es\/use-of-language\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00bfC\u00f3mo afecta a las familias el lenguaje utilizado en el bienestar infantil?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summary<\/h3>\n

Created with parents who have been through the system, this guide helps workers use better language to communicate with families and youth.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Content of this document was developed with members of Rise<\/a>‘s Parent Advocate community, including Felicia Alleyne, Jovanna Frieson, Teyora Graves-Ferrell, Teresa Marrero, Shakira Paige, Zoraida Ramirez, Jeanette Vega, and Elliot Williams, each of whom is a parent advocate and leader who has been impacted by the child welfare system. Co-developing this document was an opportunity for Casey Family Programs’ staff to learn and think deeply about the process of co-design, and about the use of language in the development of new resources. Being in intentional conversation, developing meaningful relationships, and working closely together to create this short brief was a far more impactful and informative process than simply contracting with Rise to develop a document. True transformation of the current child welfare system requires centering the expertise of those most impacted, and exploring different strategies for authentic engagement and co-design in everything we do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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When thinking about the language used in child welfare and the harm it causes families, we realize that words do have power, especially when thinking about the impact those words have on practice. We must do better and use language that supports \u2014 rather than stigmatizes \u2014 families.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

— Jeanette Vega, Rise Co-Executive Director for Leadership and Policy<\/cite><\/figcaption>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
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This document’s purpose is to educate and bring awareness to the language used within child welfare and other settings. Casey Family Programs developed this resource in partnership with members of Rise<\/a>‘s Parent Advocate community, all of whom have been impacted personally by the child welfare system. It is designed for anyone who works with families and youth.<\/p>\n

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Language should heal, not harm<\/h2>\n \n \n \n

Language can be used in ways that harm or heal, and parents with lived expertise have shared that, all too often, they feel that language is used to scrutinize or denigrate them. Being explicit about the negative impact that words can have, even if the intent is not to cause harm, can help address resistance to changing existing words and phrases, as well as encourage a more thoughtful approach to language. Child welfare professionals must acknowledge that sometimes the intent behind the language may be different from the impact it has on children and families, and that ultimately, the words and phrases used in child welfare should reflect the values of respect for – and partnership with – families.<\/p>\n

For example\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

“At-risk” means: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk (possibility of loss or injury) or susceptibility. Parents impacted by the child welfare system have shared the following about their experience of the term “at-risk”:<\/p>\n