Resolving identity issues is an important and sometimes difficult task for all children. This task is especially difficult for children in substitute care who may have little understanding of the events in their lives. Good casework practice requires using Lifebooks throughout the child's stay to help the child gain an understanding of life events and "come to terms with his or her past and prepare for the future" (Holody & Maher). Not only do Lifebooks help children address identity issues that develop as a result of separation from family, they can also provide an important opportunity for the child to communicate his/her feelings and facilitate the development of trust between the worker, caregiver and child.
A Lifebook is the story of the child's life. The book should contain pictures, letters, documents important to the child and an on-going narrative of the important events (such as graduation or a new sibling) that have occurred in the child's life. Although the caseworker is responsible for ensuring the Lifebook is developed and follows the child through care, the child's family, the child and the caregiver play important roles in its completion. The child can participate (depending on age and developmental stage) by drawing pictures, writing stories and/or gathering meaningful items to include in the Lifebook. The caregiver contributes by providing pictures and keepsakes from important events such as birthday parties, graduations, special awards, etc. The caseworker should discuss the Lifebook with the caregiver.
Sources for Lifebook information include:
· Agency records
· Official documents such as birth records, court documents
· Newspaper accounts
· Developmental and medical records
· Photographs or pictures from magazines that represent or "look like" child and/or his or her family, foster family
· Reports cards and other school records
· Descriptions of placements (such as pets, foster siblings, description and pictures of the foster home)
Lifebooks should be updated at least on a quarterly basis.