Approaches for Life Story Books

1. Approaches forLife Story Books Presented by: Mary Utter, Case Manager at Good Shepherd LINC and private Art Therapist (Artistic Expressions)

2. Workshop Goals • Introduction to Life Story Books • Introduction to Art Therapy • Engagement techniques • Hands on activity • Questions and comments

3. What is a Life Story Book? • Record of a child and young persons experiences, relationships, interests • Can be photos, drawings, awards, lists, video, toys, etc. • Ideally created by the young person or child with the support of caregivers, workers, family, friends, teachers, etc. • It is not just a book

4. Benefits of Life Story Books • Kids in care need help gathering mementos and memories of their life, this is a place for them • Having someone there to help record their development/milestones • A creative way to explore their past, present and future • Flexible • Helps the child tell their story, communication tool

5. Life Story Books, a Requirement • In the Minimum Standards from DHS • Low compliance in Foster Care and Residential Units in NW region • Working group at DHS to address need • Developing Fact Sheets and Training • Incorporate Life Books into your daily life / work plan • No “right” way to make one • Important for all ages

6. What is Art Therapy? • Art Therapy uses the creative process as the therapeutic medium • Art Therapy is about process and product • It builds on interests, strengths, and resilience • Is non-threatening and engaging • Enables difficult issues to be acknowledged

7. Techniques for Engagement • Focus on the child and their current circumstances • Talk with them about creating a Life Story Book • Explore their interests • Are they interested in creating a life book? • Use a variety of materials - pictures, video, collect flyers, etc. • Make it a regular and special event

8. Strategies for Addressing Barriers • Get their interest sparked • Pick out a book, album or box together • If the past is difficult, focus on the present • Important to let the child / young person guide

9. Strategies to Deepen Relationships • Be present-build a bond and trust • Gauge how directive to be • Offer options and choice • Get others involved • Active listening and reflecting • Dealing with uncomfortable and overwhelming emotions • Celebrate the positives

10. Activity: Making a Page • Use the materials on the table and create a page about Something that you do when you are feeling stressed or tired • Write, draw, cut, paste, create! • 5 - 10 minutes

11. In Closing • Life Story Books assist children and young people to develop a sense of self in relation to life experiences • Life Books are a Minimum Standard and LAC requirement • Do Life Story Books help children to have a better life? Are they in the best interest of the child? • How are you going to make them a priority?

12. Questions, Comments, Feedback • Thank you for attending

13. Resources • http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/foster_care/current_lifestory.html. 2005. • Keefer, B. and Schooler, J.E. Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child; Making Sense of the Past, Chapter Nine “Tools of Communication Between Parents and Children”. Bergin & Garvey, London • Goodman, D. “Seven Reasons Why Children Need a Life Book” in Schooler, J. and Keefer, B. Mystery History: Helping Adopted Children Understand the Past. Columbus, Ohio: Institute for Human Services, 1998. • NSW Department Community Service Out-of-home Care Directorate. My Life Story Book. March 2005. • Fahlberg, V. A Child’s Journey through placement. 1991 • Foster Care Association of WA Inc. Making a Life Story Book, Ideas for Foster Parents and Social Workers. • Ryan, T. and Walker, R. Life Story Work: a practical guide to helping children understand their past. 1993.