Curious Compassion
Curious compassion is an approach that combines empathy, genuine interest, and the proactive desire to understand the experiences and needs of others. In the context of safeguarding, especially when working with children and young people, this approach becomes not just beneficial but essential. By embracing curious compassion, professionals in education, social services, and other child related fields can provide support that is more attuned to the complexities of each individual case, offering children and families the care and attention they truly deserve.
In safeguarding, curiosity does not merely refer to asking questions, it is about understanding the deeper layers of a child's situation, what they may be experiencing, and how they feel. It allows practitioners to avoid jumping to conclusions based on assumptions, instead fostering an open, non-judgmental space where children feel seen and heard. Compassion amplifies this by ensuring that these conversations are made with genuine care, without rushing to solve or minimise the situation. This creates a balance between understanding and action, ultimately safeguarding the child's welfare in a holistic way.
Safeguarding children and young people involves identifying risks, preventing harm, and responding appropriately to concerns about their safety and wellbeing. In this process, a child-centered approach is paramount. By truly listening to children, hearing their voices, and offering them opportunities to speak freely, we give them the space to feel valued, respected, and understood.
Curious compassion plays a critical role in this. It allows professionals to listen to a child’s experiences without assuming they know. It recognises that each child’s circumstances, emotional state, and needs are unique, requiring a response tailored to them. For example, a child who has experienced trauma may not initially disclose their experiences, but by showing curiosity and compassion in how we approach them, we create an environment that encourages openness.
Children may struggle to express themselves verbally, especially if they’ve been through abuse or neglect. They may not have the vocabulary or confidence to explain their emotions. However, curious compassion invites practitioners to understand the child through their behavior, body language, and the subtleties in their communication. The goal is not to rush a response, but to understand the child’s experience and to act in their best interest, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing.
One of the challenges professionals may face in safeguarding is the fear of getting it wrong. We are aware that decisions made can have an impact on a child's life, especially in the context of safeguarding. This fear can sometimes lead to hesitation in asking the tough questions or addressing difficult situations, fearing embarrassment or negative repercussions if the concerns turn out to be unfounded.
However, the potential embarrassment of getting it wrong should never outweigh the importance of supporting a child who may be in need. If a professional's concerns turn out to be incorrect, the worst case scenario is that the child has not been harmed, but the support and care offered would have still been a positive influence in their life. The potential consequences of not acting, of failing to listen and get it wrong in the opposite direction, are far greater. If a child’s safety or wellbeing is compromised due to a lack of action, the harm caused could be immeasurable.
Curious compassion helps to mitigate this fear by focusing on the child's needs and the importance of a safe, non-judgmental space for them to open up. If professionals ask questions with care and a genuine interest in the child's wellbeing, they create opportunities for the child to disclose information when they are ready. This does not mean interrogating or pressuring the child, but rather fostering an environment of trust where they feel comfortable sharing.
At the heart of curious compassion is listening. It is essential that children and young people have the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels safe to them. When a child is in a vulnerable situation, being heard is empowering. It validates their emotions and experiences, allowing them to feel that they are not alone and that their voice matters.
In safeguarding, the child's wellbeing should always be the central consideration. Curious compassion allows professionals to understand each child as an individual, to listen to their experiences, and to ensure that they are provided with the support they need. This approach fosters trust and encourages open communication, which is essential in safeguarding children from potential harm.
