Practical tips for leaders

It’s really important to talk to the carers or parent to ask them if there is anything important you should know to help support and/or protect the young person, or potentially anything they may say in front of their section. These young people in some cases have witnessed some awful things so understanding the young person a little will help you protect them.

Note – you are part of this young person’s journey but you will not need to know the details of their story. This is their private story and is for them alone to share with appropriate people.

Try asking if school have anything in place to support the young person that can be replicated in scouting to provide a consistent approach to support them.

Children who have been exposed to negatives each day will see this as the only way to receive attention. By praising them, their confidence and self-esteem will increase, and they will feel valued and come to realise that negative attention is not necessary. You cannot praise too much! However, they need to know what they are being praised for. Using descriptive praise gives a clear message. “Well done for doing your homework”, “Thank you for helping Joe”

Praise should be for ‘being’ as well as ‘doing’: “You are such fun to be with”, “You are very kind, sharing with Joe”.

Children need to feel safe and secure and when their experience of adults is one in which is disruptive and unsafe structure and routine helps them predict and understand their surroundings. They need to know what is expected of them and what is coming next. This will prevent them becoming confused or feeling chaotic.

Rules help everyone feel safe and secure. Too many rules, however, will overwhelm those who struggle to keep their emotions and bodies regulated. A few simple, very clear rules will support everyone. 

You might not think it – but no child or young person misbehaves 24 hours a day! There may be trigger points that influence what will happen. When you get to know and anticipate them, it makes it easier to avoid them. The young person’s carer/parent will be able to give you an indication if they are aware of any triggers.

Possible triggers:

• Time of day – getting ready for school/coming home from school/mealtimes/ expected time to come home at night.
• Place – restaurant/doctor’s surgery/during phone calls.