Haruv institute - Leading Principles in Trauma-Informed Child Representation

stay at home and to keep in touch with your parents. The court decided that you would not be able to continue living at home because they thought it was not safe enough for you right now. However, they took into account what is important to you, and you will be able to meet with your parents every... at... and we can address the court later if we see a change…” / “The decision you received in court is not the result we were hoping for, but we can try to file an appeal…”

2. Strengthening the sense of control

• Explaining the broad meaning of participation and representation: Children who have been harmed by adults may misinterpret statements such as “I represent you” and “I will make sure your voice is heard” or “It is your choice” and “You are a partner in making your life decisions.” Therefore, make sure you clarify to the child what you mean by these things. It is also important to explain to the child that they can influence the decision-making process regarding their life in various ways and that their choices and desires are taken into account while weighing variables. – Idea for practice: “It is important to me that you know that your thoughts and feelings about what is best for you are crucial to me, and I am here to voice and represent your opinion and choices. I will also share with you what I think and what others think could be good for you.” – Giving choices: As mentioned, traumatic life experiences deprive the child of the ability to control or choose, rendering them helpless to what happens to them. It is therefore important to give the child as many opportunities as possible to feel in control of their life. One of the best ways to do so is by presenting them with choices. Every time we let the child

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