2.2. Give examples of strategies to support individual children, young people and adults to help them • take responsibility for their own decisions • make and communicate their own decisions whilst they are adjusting to bereavement

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Give examples of strategies to support individual children, young people and adults to help them • take responsibility for their own decisions • make and communicate their own decisions whilst they are adjusting to bereavement.

Helping individuals to take responsibility for their decisions is an essential part of support work. It involves enabling them to recognise that their choices matter and encouraging them to consider outcomes. By fostering responsibility, you empower those you support to grow in independence and confidence.

Strategies to achieve this include:

• Encouraging self-reflection: Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you feel about this decision?”
• Offering praise for positive decision-making: Celebrate when someone takes responsibility for their outcome.
• Teaching them to evaluate risks: Provide examples of what might happen in different scenarios, e.g., if they attend school or skip it.

Support workers should remain patient, set realistic expectations, and allow room for mistakes. This approach builds their resilience and understanding of cause and effect.

Encouraging Decision-Making in Children

Children often need guidance to make their own decisions. Encouraging them to take part in small choices builds confidence early.

Examples include:

• Asking them to choose between two options, e.g., “Would you prefer apples or oranges for your snack?”
• Allowing them to select their clothes for the day, even if it may not match perfectly.
• Discussing the consequences of their choices, like not wearing a coat on a cold day.

Use simple, clear language that suits the child’s age and level of understanding. Be positive and provide them with safe environments where they feel secure to decide.

Developing Decision-Making Skills in Young People

Young people are at a stage where learning to make their own decisions has a lasting impact. This is where trust and clear communication come in.

Helpful strategies include:

• Encouraging them to research options before making important decisions, e.g., after-school clubs or career paths.
• Facilitating guided discussions without imposing your own opinions.
• Fostering resilience by allowing them to deal with minor consequences, e.g., running out of pocket money because they overspent.

Support workers can act as mentors by discussing options and encouraging independence.

Empowering Adults in Independent Decision-Making

Adults, particularly those who may need extra care, sometimes struggle with decision-making due to confidence or health challenges.

Ways to help adults regain decision-making skills include:

• Breaking decisions into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if an adult is deciding what to eat, start with, “Would you prefer something hot or cold?”
• Providing accessible information, e.g., by writing options clearly or using pictures.
• Encouraging trial and error. Let the individual attempt something new with your support and learn through the outcome.

Reinforce their successes to build independence and respect their preferences.

Supporting Communication of Decisions

For individuals to express their choices, they need tools and methods that suit their abilities. Communication is essential to decision-making, particularly for those with specific needs.

Strategies include:

• Providing communication aids: Use picture cards, sign language, or assistive technology, depending on the individual’s need.
• Teaching effective communication skills: Discuss topics like how to assert their opinions respectfully.
• Creating a non-judgemental environment: Show acceptance of what they express without criticism.

Always pay attention to non-verbal communication, as body language can also indicate preferences.

Adapting Support to Individual Needs

Each person is unique, so the support you provide should align with their abilities and circumstances.

Adapting your approach can include:

• Simplifying choices for a person with cognitive difficulties.
• Having patience while supporting someone who struggles to verbalise their decisions.
• Encouraging family involvement, when appropriate, to ensure the individual’s decisions reflect their wishes and values.

Create trust by being approachable and consistent.

Building Trust and Rapport

People are more likely to take responsibility and engage in decision-making if they trust those who support them. Building rapport is key.

Ways to build trust include:

• Listening actively and responding appropriately.
• Being honest and transparent about the decisions they need to make.
• Respecting their boundaries and preferences.

When individuals know they are valued, they feel more confident sharing their thoughts.

Providing Guidance Without Taking Over

It is important to guide without taking over the individual’s decision-making process. You should aim to balance support with independence.

Tips for providing guidance:

• Present options rather than making choices for them.
• Remind them of past successes in decision-making to boost their confidence.
• Use visual aids, like charts or diagrams, to simplify complex options.

When supporting decision-making, allow individuals the freedom to learn and grow from their experiences.

Understanding the Role of Advocacy

Advocacy ensures individuals feel supported in voicing their preferences, especially if they struggle to do so alone.

To advocate effectively as a support worker:

• Encourage the individual to express their choices whenever possible.
• Speak on their behalf only when they are unable to communicate and with their consent.
• Educate them on their rights to informed decision-making.

This process helps individuals feel in control and heard.

Creating an Inclusive and Empowering Environment

An environment where people feel included and respected enables them to confidently take ownership of decisions.

You can create this by:

• Involving individuals in regular discussions about their care and personal life.
• Providing opportunities for feedback, suggestions, and autonomy.
• Encouraging participation in community activities to develop social skills.

Such an environment promotes self-worth and the courage to make decisions.

Encouraging Reflection on Decisions Made

Reflection helps individuals learn from their choices. As a support worker, you can facilitate this by:

• Discussing the outcomes of their decisions in a positive and supportive way.
• Asking reflective questions like, “What went well?”, “Would you do anything differently next time?”
• Highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.

This process strengthens problem-solving and self-awareness over time.

Conclusion

Helping children, young people, and adults to take responsibility for and communicate decisions involves encouragement, patience, and adapting your approach to meet their needs. By teaching these skills, you empower individuals to gain confidence, promote independence, and take control of their lives. Keep the focus on providing safe, supportive spaces that encourage their growth.