Life Story Work
Life story work can help children to make sense of their past, gain a understanding of their present and, as an ongoing process, plan for stable future.
It is a valuable process, as highlighted in the National Minimum Standard Fostering Services, in enabling children/young people to feel connected to people and places, their family of origin and their heritage.
The production of a life story book means that information can be convey child/young person at appropriate times throughout their lives, exploring perspectives as different issues arise or resurface. It can also encourage child/young person and future carers to continue adding information.
Next Step uses skilled staff and a range of materials and resources to undertake work and produce life story books, which can be commissioned for a child or person.
In addition to the production of the Life Story, Book, staff work with the children/young people to help resolve strong emotions and past events, especially those related to separation or loss experiences. This can be done within a therapy setting, involving social workers, and birth family members, as appropriate.
These services will be negotiated with the local authority.