Can we try to promote the usage of Children's Services (CS) as opposed to Social Services (SS)

[MadameDefarge]

I find it troubling the use of SS, both for its inaccuracy and its connotations.

Just me then?

Me too!

Hi MMe,

Do you mean as an acronym or as an MN policy?

well, as an acronym. It would be good as a policy too...

when there are threads where people are discussing the actions of children's services, I think it is unhelpful to use the wrong acronym of SS especially as it has such dreadful connotations.

I think in this instance asking MNetters to use the correct terminology CS, so as not to give offence (as a reference to nazis does) would be acceptable.

It drives me bonkers too. But since SS to many = child snatcher, then I think the acronym CS could end up being just as unfortunate.

I think this is a really good suggestion but I worry that 'SS' has now taken hold that you won't be able to make much of a dent. But I do try to use 'Children's Services' when I can - but even many judges still refer to Social Services...

Social services refer to themselves as SS. While I can see your point, nobody calls them Children's Services, and you'll just confuse everyone.

Also the child Snatcher thing.

Known as Childrens Social Care near me, so CSC.

I have seen quite few annoyed letters from various local authorities pointing out that its 'children's services' not 'social services' but that just reflects how many local solicitors still say 'social services'

It is indeed very confusing as Rangers and Young Leaders (14-18y Girl Guides) are referred to as the Senior Section.

That this shares the same unfortunate acronym as Social services has caused unsuitable amusement.

Whenever I read SS I think of the Nazi thing, when I read CS I think c section...

Hmm interesting point. We can't really enforce site wide acronyms (sadly), but as is often the case with this sort of thing, if people keep using acronyms, they might catch on and have a wider use, so who knows?

Are they different entities? Not being sarky or snarky - just genuinely don't know.

Well yes, in that i am currently dealing with Adult services for my own care. This is different to child services, though they are both "social services". Its too vague, technically wrong, and has the bad connotations of it too.

Even if theres no "offical" action here, i will ensure to call them childrens services in future, rather than use ss (especially as some posters with a particular agenda always seem to 'mistakenly' write the ss)