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Launching in 2027

Bringing children's voices to the forefront of their own files

It is rare to meet someone out of the blue without context or a digital introduction, yet children and young people are expected to allow relative strangers into their lives day in, day out.

With The First Word, children and young people who have a social worker create a digital hello card, which sits as the front page of their care record. That way, professionals meet the child in their own words, before they meet them in someone else's. In return, children get a hello card from their social worker, so they know who they'll be meeting and what to expect.

It gives children:

  • the first word on who they are
  • a say in the support they receive
  • a clear understanding of their rights

Ultimately, everyone arrives prepared and a little more hopeful, helping the relationship get off to the best possible start.

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The first impression shouldn't come from a file

When children are matched with a social worker, their story is told almost entirely in the third person, in a referral. Their needs, their wishes, what they want and more are all written about them, not by them.

Within case management systems, children's views often get lost inside lengthy assessments. Practitioners can form an impression of a child from care files written by someone else, which may be inaccurate or stigmatising.

The First Word reorders the flow of information. A digital hello card, in the child's own words, becomes the very first thing a professional reads, rather than an afterthought.

Designed to achieve three things

The first word on who they are

Children get to introduce themselves, rather than being known first through files someone else wrote, which may be out of date, inaccurate or stigmatising.

A say in their support

From the very start, children can say what kind of support they'd like, and what they'd rather avoid, so they have a real choice in how they're cared for.

Knowing their rights

Children understand their rights before, during and after having a social worker in their lives, so they know what to expect and what they can ask for.

How it works

  1. Children share who they are

    They design their own avatar and share a little about their interests, their support needs and their do's and don'ts. A child might ask that their social worker texts before visiting, or doesn't wear a lanyard.

  2. The social worker signs to say they've read it

    Signing confirms they've read the page and will act on it, turning the usual power dynamic on its head.

  3. The child gets to know their social worker too

    In return, the child receives a hello card from their social worker, explaining who they are and what to expect, so no one goes in cold.

  4. It grows with them

    As things change, children can update their page. Before a review, a meeting or a move, they get the chance to share their wishes, feelings and access needs, so their voice comes first every time, not just at the start.

Shaped with the people who will use it

Guided by lived experience

An advisory group of care-experienced leaders and sector experts.

Designed with experts

Created in collaboration with therapists, speech and language, and education experts.

Grounded in rights

Built on children's rights under domestic and international legislative frameworks.

Be one of the first

We're opening The First Word to a small number of early partners first. Sign up to hear news, get early access, and help shape what we build.

This form is for adults. If you're a young person and want to get involved, ask a worker or carer you trust to sign up with you.

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Questions

When will it be available?

We're testing with early partners now and plan a wider launch in 2027.

Who is it for?

Children and young people who have a social worker, and the adults who support them.

Why does it matter?

Social worker turnover in England is high, which disrupts trust and means children often have to repeat their story. The First Word helps relationships start well, so time isn't lost over many months through trial and error.

Is it safe for children to use?

Safety and privacy are built in from the start. Children choose what to share and who sees it.

Will it cost anything?

We'll share details with early partners first.

Can my organisation pilot it?

Yes. Tick "Piloting it with my team" when you sign up and I'll get in touch.