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Approaches for Life Story Books. Presented by: Mary Utter, Case Manager at Good Shepherd LINC and private Art Therapist (Artistic Expressions). Workshop Goals. Introduction to Life Story Books Introduction to Art Therapy Engagement techniques Hands on activity Questions and comments.
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Approaches forLife Story Books Presented by: Mary Utter, Case Manager at Good Shepherd LINC and private Art Therapist (Artistic Expressions)
Workshop Goals • Introduction to Life Story Books • Introduction to Art Therapy • Engagement techniques • Hands on activity • Questions and comments
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
Questions, Comments, Feedback • Thank you for attending
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.