As Life Story Work and recognition of achievements is essential to each child in care, we are now creating an Achievement Room on the top floor of Freedom HQ so that we can showcase all of the achievements, progress and certificates of every child and young person that comes into our care.
At Christmas, we will be recognising those that have made promising progress or extra special achievements, presenting those during a special ceremony.
What is Life Story Work?
The objective of life story work is to create a secure base for the looked-after child to explore their past, present and future. Life story work is an important way of helping a child to integrate their past into the present, in order to help them to move into the future.
Children and young people who are in foster care are unique individuals with a “life story” unique to them. These children and young people, separated from their family with the experiences of trauma and loss will need “life story work” to help them make sense of their experience and history with a view of gaining a sense of their unique identity.
The principles of the Children Act 1989, the Adoption and Children Act 2002, the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the Adoption Agency Regulations 2005 underpin direct work with children and Young People including “life story work”. The objective is to create a secure base for the child to explore their past, present and future and should be undertaken with a sound knowledge of child development and understanding of attachment theory. Life story work is based on a “relationship” and should not be viewed as a task, it is central to the meaning of the child’s journey and the pace, progress and timing of this work must be child led.
How can I help my LAC?
Helping a child in your care with their Life Story Work is essential to help them build memories and a sense of their past.
Achievements can be from any aspect of their life, including academic, health or social:
- Helping to decorate the Christmas tree
- Eating a new food
- Trying a new sport
- Helping out gardening
- Keeping their room clean
- Learning a new instrument
There are lots of different ways that you can document their achievements in their scrapbook:
- Certificates
- Photographing
- Videoing the event (put it on a CD or memory stick)
- Uploading content direct to the CHARMS website.
- Ticket stubbs
- Receipts
- Souvenirs
- A short written description of events
Contact your Social Worker if you have further questions.
