1.2.4 Use person-centered language in policy and practice.

Labeling people by their issue triggers cognitive “othering,” reinforces the silos of our system and confuses the person with the issue identified. Eliminate labels, even person-first ones (e.g., youth who have committed crimes), that reinforce the very identity everyone seeks to move beyond, particularly because these labels are applied disproportionately to people of color and reinforce false narratives that behaviors are concentrated in certain communities. For example, use “youth” instead of “juvenile offenders,” “kids” instead of “patients.”

Crowdsourcing What's Possible:

The principles and recommendations in this Blueprint are already being acted on by systems, organizations, communities and people across the nation. Do you have an example to share with us? Please share it!

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