Life Story
'Life story work is a therapeutic tool that deals with the child’s inner world and how that relates to the child’s perception of external reality.
We are not claiming that the method described here is superior to other kinds of life story work with children, rather that it is different and intended for a different purpose. Life story work, as conventionally practised, is right and effective for the purposes which it sets out to achieve. Ryan and Walker (2003) show what can be achieved and how to go about it.
The difference, as we see it, is that what we describe, while called life story work, is different because it works with children in the most extreme circumstances – and they require to be worked with differently. It is about involving them in moving to a new life (wherever that may be) – but can also be an essential part of the recovery process for all traumatized children. This method was devised by SACCS.'
Rose, R and Philpot, T (2005) The Child’s Own Story, Life Story Work with Traumatized Children, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Pg: 15
At SACCS, we believe that an integral factor of recovery and the healing process is the completion of life story work. We employ a life story team consisting of qualified social workers and staff who have worked, in many cases, as part of the therapeutic parenting teams before becoming specialists in life story work. All of the team either have or are working towards their Level 5 Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Child Care.
Every child placed at SACCS is appointed a life story worker who works closely with the child’s key carer to facilitate communications with the child about their broad life experiences and those with their families. This work promotes clarity of the child’s experiences, and explores memories in order that they may begin to accept their feelings. The life story process consists of three stages:
The first stage is the Information Bank and involves members of the life story team compiling factual information about the child’s past. Relevant material is gathered, including social services records, court papers, police documents and medical records. In addition, the life story workers interview parents, extended family, past carers, teachers, previous therapists and any other significant people involved in the child’s life. Facts, opinion and anecdotes are all gathered. Photographs, genograms, placement charts, calendars and other tools are used to build up the picture of the child’s past. This stage is commenced during the pre-admission assessment and is mostly achieved in the early months of the child’s placement.
The second stage, Internalisation, involves the life story workers sharing with the child the information gathered from stage one. Various mediums are used to engage with the children, most commonly working through their life journey on rolls of wallpaper using symbolic writing to chart events. This dynamic process gives the child an opportunity to express their feelings about significant life events, receive confirmation of some memories and to re-frame any misconceptions or distorted thinking about those recollections.
The final stage is the Life Story Book, and is completed towards the conclusion of a child’s placement. It comprises the factual information and the work completed in the internalisation process. The child is fully involved in selecting the themed binding and choosing the illustrations to accompany the photographs and script. SACCS achieves a high success rate of children positively engaging in the process of producing a book which they created, own and understand. For those children who have not been able to face up to all of their life events and the pain associated with them, an account will still be included in the book in order that the child may revisit it later when they feel ready to do so.
During the second and final stages a child will typically be expected to have a life story session fortnightly for up to one hour. Following each session, the life story worker liaises with the Therapist and the Home Manager to share significant issues and address the possible impact of this work with the child. Life story workers contribute and have considerable input into the Individual Recovery Plan.
