Life Story Work

Life story work is about capturing and preserving a child's story through both life's significant events and its small magic moments. Through memories, photographs, stories, achievements, relationships and everyday experiences, children are supported to understand their past, celebrate who they are today, and move forward with a strong sense of identity, belonging and hope for the future.

Life story work is not something that happens only at key points in a child's life or starts with exploring the past. Life story work can begin in the present — with who a child is today — and move toward the past only when, and if, they’re ready. The past doesn’t always want to be explored yet, and that’s OK.

There’s no single template. What works for one child may not work for the next — this is flexible, person-centred work that bends around each child’s individuality.

Every child is the storyteller of their own life — not a subject in someone else’s file. The best life story work follows their lead: their pace, their questions, their order.

Life story work helps children and young people to:

• Understand their life story and make sense of their experiences.

• Develop a positive sense of identity, belonging and self-worth.

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with important people in their lives.

• Celebrate achievements, strengths and milestones.

• Preserve memories, stories and photographs that are important to them.

• Understand how past experiences may influence their present.

• Process loss, change and trauma in a safe and supportive way.

• Express their wishes, feelings, hopes and dreams.

• Create a record of both significant events and the small magic moments that make up their childhood.

• Look towards the future with confidence and hope

(please note – life story work covers a broad spectrum of ideas and does not have a singular definition; these are just some examples):

• All about me direct work activities.

• Direct work which explores identity and promotes a child's self-worth and self-esteem

• Timeline activities to help explain the journey a child has been on.

• A life story book covering a child's family background and journey into care.

• Direct work that helps children explore and understand important relationships in their lives.

• Conversations about why a child entered care and what is happening for them now.

• A memory box filled with photographs, letters and memories.

• A photo album that captures moments from childhood.

• Letters from people who know and care about the child.

• Celebrating both the big and small milestones and achievements in a child's life.

• Capturing everyday experiences, routines and "small magic moments".

• Preserving memories, stories and reflections that are important to the child.

• Recording memories, experiences and significant moments in a child-centred and reflective way so they are not lost over time.

All the above examples should be recorded under ‘Life Story Work’ case notes on Liquid Logic

Every child deserves to understand their own story.

Children who have experienced loss, separation, trauma or multiple moves may have gaps in their memories, missing information, or unanswered questions about their lives. Without opportunities to explore and understand their experiences, these questions can remain with them into adulthood.

Life story work can help a child process what has happened in their life, build stronger relationships, feel more settled and secure, support their wellbeing, and shape a stronger future.

Life story work matters because childhood happens once. The memories, relationships, achievements and everyday moments we capture today may become some of the most important pieces of a child's story tomorrow.

This guidance has been developed and co-produced with care experienced children and young people, who shared what mattered most to them when reflecting on their own experiences.

They told us that while major events are important, it is often the small things that have the greatest and most lasting impact.

A photograph from a day out

A certificate that was saved

A worker remembering something they were proud of

A seemingly ordinary memory

A letter explaining why professionals were involved

These can become some of the most meaningful and treasured parts of a child’s story.

It is important to realise that small actions can become valuable contributions to a child’s life story and have a lifelong impact on how they understand who they are, where they’ve come from, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the people who cared about them along the way.

Our care experienced young people have a simple message for us all:

The small things make the biggest difference. Small actions today can become treasured memories tomorrow.

There are simple things that every person who is working with a child can do to help contribute to their life story.

Writing a letter to a child or young person when you are stepping away.

Taking photographs when you are involved (with consent) and sharing a photograph of yourself.

Giving a child space to ask questions about their childhood and supporting with explanations.

Celebrating every success, even the small ones. Let the child know you are proud.

When people think about their life story, they often think about the big events. But some of the memories we hold onto most tightly are the small ones.

The funny stories.
The unexpected moments.
The things that still make us laugh years later.
Ask anyone about their childhood and you'll often hear stories like:

"Remember when..."
The time a seagull stole someone's chips.
The family pet that escaped and somehow found its way to a relative's house.
The phase where you were absolutely convinced you were going to be an astronaut.
The first cake you baked that didn't quite go to plan.
The obsession you had with a favourite band, football team or TV programme.
The nickname that stuck for years.
The trophy you were unbelievably proud of winning.
The fashion choices you'd rather forget.

These moments might seem small at the time, but they become part of the stories we tell about ourselves. They remind us of what made us laugh, what we cared about, who was important to us and how we've grown along the way.

Life story work is about making sure these moments aren't lost.

Alongside important milestones and significant events, it's about capturing the everyday memories that make each person's story unique. The photographs, achievements, jokes, interests, friendships, favourite places, family traditions and moments of joy that say:

This is who I am.
This is what mattered to me.
This is part of my story.

Because sometimes it isn't the biggest moments that stay with us.

It's the stories that still make us smile when someone says,

"Do you remember when...?"

When you step away from a child’s life —

whether that be a case closing, a transfer, a placement change — take a moment. Leave something behind with care in it.

Write a short letter that can be given or saved.

A chronology tells a child what happened. This tells them who was there, and that they mattered.

Children often access their files years later, alone — looking for proof they were cared for, not just a case managed. Among assessments and case notes, a piece of writing like this can be the one thing that feels human.

Before writing, ask yourself:

“What do I know about this child or family that may matter to them in 10 years’ time?”

It doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be honest, personal, and look for the strength, hope and positives in who they are

Ask around before you write. Teachers, health visitors, foster carers and others in the child’s life may hold memories the file never will. A few short lines from several people show a child that many people cared.

If appropriate also consider -

·         A card that can be given to them with the letter inside

·         A short video or photograph of yourself

·         Photos with captions on them of other people involved at that time

·         A creative activity that they can also be involved in to reflect on your time together.

If you need some guidance to get started on the letter. Try to include -

‘You and your family were supported because…’

‘I remember when…’

‘You were known for…’

‘Strengths were…’

‘I want you to know that…’

Every professional who walks alongside a child holds a piece of their story. Some pieces may seem small at the time, but years later they can become the details that help a young person understand their childhood, remember important relationships and know that they mattered.

Early Help Workers and ALL Social Workers/Lead Practitioners  

For many children, early help becomes the first recorded chapter of their story. The memories, photographs and explanations gathered now may help them understand their family journey years later.

Social workers working with a family through referral, duty, assessment and beyond are part of a significant moment in a child’s life.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a child’s life story:
Explain why services are involved and any changes in a child friendly way.
Preserve the child’s voice, lived experience and the everyday magic moments.
Celebrate strengths, progress and achievements however small.

How can I do this?
Use the life story work case note to capture the everyday magic moments -this develops into a rich narrative over time capturing who the child was and what their world looked like. Capture photographs with consent and write letters when you are stepping away from a child’s life.

Always reflect on – what could be meaningful for a young person many years from now?

Permanence workers

Families naturally preserve childhood through photographs, stories, cards and shared memories. Care experienced young people deserve the same. By capturing and preserving these small but important moments, permanence social workers help ensure children leave care with more than records and reports; they leave with memories, connections and evidence that they mattered.

Explain to a child why they are in care in an appropriate way and revisit explanations as they grow and understanding develops.
Preserve photographs, memory items, recorded everyday details that could be lost – favourite food, hobbies, routines, nicknames, stories and all the magic moments.
Celebrate every achievement – big or small. Remember birthdays, important occasions and always let the child know that you are proud of them and who they are.

How can I do this?

·         Always give a child a birthday card and recognise their successes and achievements.

·          Send cards, postcards, certificates, notes – let them know you are proud of them.

·         Carry out direct work activities such as timeline work to help explain their journey.

·         Complete a life story book/record as a place to gather photographs and stories.

·         Write a letter if you are stepping away and include a photograph of yourself.

·         Involve family, carers and the adults in the child’s life in explaining, preserving and celebrating.

Always reflect on – what are the magic moments for this child?

Foster Carers

Foster carers are often there for the everyday moments that make up childhood. They see the achievements, friendships, interests, routines and funny stories that help shape a child's sense of identity.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a child's life story:

Explain everyday experiences and changes in a way that helps a child make sense of their world.
Preserve photographs, memories, stories and everyday magic moments.
Celebrate achievements, milestones and the things that make a child unique.

How can I do this?

·         Take photographs and keep special memories, cards, certificates and artwork.

·         Record funny stories, favourite sayings, nicknames, hobbies and interests.

·         Capture first experiences and important milestones.

·         Contribute to life story books, memory boxes and life story records.

·         Talk together about memories and the stories that matter.

·         Send records weekly including magic moments and photographs.

Always reflect on: What are the magic moments happening in this child's life right now?

Kinship carers often hold a unique place in a child's story. They may know family history, traditions, relationships and memories that no one else can share.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a child's life story:

Explain to children their family story and connections.
Preserve family memories, photographs, stories and traditions.
Celebrate belonging, identity and family relationships.

How can I do this?

·         Share family stories, memories and positive experiences.

·         Preserve photographs and information about important family members.

·         Record traditions, celebrations and everyday family life.

·         Help children understand how people in their family are connected.

·         Contribute to life story work and memory keeping activities.

Always reflect on: What family memories and connections can I preserve for the future?

Residential care workers are often present for many of the moments that children and young people will remember most. Everyday conversations, celebrations, achievements, trips, routines and shared experiences can all become important parts of a child's story.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a child's life story:

Explain how you can support and help reflect on their experiences and journey.
Preserve the everyday moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
Celebrate achievements, strengths and positive memories.

How can I do this?

·         Capture photographs of activities, celebrations and achievement.

·         Record funny moments, memorable experiences and important milestones.

·         Celebrate birthdays, school achievements and personal successes.

·         Encourage children to keep memories, mementos and photographs.

·         Contribute to life story books and records.

·         Send records weekly including magic moments and photographs.

Always reflect on: What moments from today might make this child smile in years to come?

For young people, leaving care is not the end of their story, but the beginning of a new chapter. Leaving care practitioners have a unique opportunity to help young people look back on their journey, recognise how far they have come and move forward with a stronger sense of identity, confidence and belonging.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a young person's life story:

Explain their journey, helping them understand their experiences and access information about their life.
Preserve memories, photographs, achievements and keepsakes that tell the story of who they are.
Celebrate their progress, strengths and successes as they move into adulthood.

How can I do this?

·         Support young people to access and understand their records and ask questions about their story.

·         Help preserve photographs from days out, celebrations and important milestones.

·         Encourage young people to keep certificates, letters, cards, photographs and other meaningful keepsakes.

·         Record important memories, achievements and moments shared by young people.

·         Celebrate birthdays, significant life events and everyday successes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

·         Recognise achievements in education, employment, training, relationships and independence.

·         Write a letter when your involvement ends, sharing positive memories, reflecting on how the young person has grown and highlighting the strengths and qualities you admire.

Always reflect on: What part of this young person's story can I help them carry forward?

IROs have a unique overview of a child's journey. Through reviews, they help ensure a child's experiences, achievements, wishes and feelings remain visible, understood and remembered over time.

Remember three core things that can contribute to a child's life story:

Explain the decisions being made about a child's life and ensure they understand their journey.
Preserve important memories, achievements and significant moments shared throughout reviews.
Celebrate strengths, progress and milestones, making them a visible part of every review.

How can I do this?

·         Help children understand the purpose of reviews and the decisions being made about their lives.

·         Check that important decisions and changes have been explained in a way the child can understand.

·         Record significant milestones, achievements, wishes, feelings and memories shared during reviews.

·         Ask how photographs, memory items, direct work and life story work are being preserved.

·         Make achievements and positives a visible part of every review, encouraging adults to share what they value and appreciate about the child.

·         Ensure birthdays, milestones and important life events are acknowledged, celebrated and recorded.

·         Write a letter when your involvement ends, reflecting on the journey you have witnessed, the strengths and achievements you have seen and your hopes for the child's future.

Always reflect on: What moments, achievements and memories should be captured so they become part of this child's story?

Remember if you are completing direct work activities, share them with the child and photograph and save under a Life Story Work case note.

The best activities are developed around what is best for that child and their interests. Here are some ideas to get started:

Family Tree

Create a family tree together to help children explore the important people in their lives and understand family connections. Family trees can include birth family, foster family, friends and other significant adults.

My Timeline

Using a large sheet of paper, create a timeline of the child's life. Add photographs, drawings, memories and significant events to help them understand their journey and see how their story has unfolded over time.

Mask Making

Decorate a mask to explore feelings and emotions. The outside can show how others see the child, while the inside can represent thoughts, feelings and experiences that may not always be visible.

Getting to Know You Jenga

Write questions, prompts or topics on Jenga blocks. Each time a block is removed, the child answers a question, creating a fun and relaxed way to explore identity, interests and memories.

Who Am I?

Create a collage, poster or discussion activity about who the child is. Include interests, strengths, favourite things, important people, hopes and dreams.

All About Me Hand

Draw around the child's hand and use each finger to represent something different such as favourite people, hobbies, achievements, places or things they are proud of.

My Favourite Things Concertina Book

Create a simple folding book filled with favourite foods, music, hobbies, places, activities and memories. This can become a snapshot of who the child is at that point in their life.

Tree of Life Sculpture

Create a tree using craft materials. The roots can represent family and history, the trunk can represent strengths and qualities, and the branches can represent hopes, dreams and future goals.

My Solar System

Draw a solar system with the child at the centre. Planets can represent the people who are important to them, exploring relationships, support networks and connections.

Special People Jar

Decorate a jar and fill it with notes about important people in the child's life. Each note can include memories, reasons they are important and what they mean to the child.

All the Pieces of Me Puzzle

Create a puzzle where each piece represents a different part of the child's identity, such as family, friendships, interests, strengths, culture, achievements and dreams.

My Hopes and Dreams

Create a vision board using pictures, drawings and words that represent future hopes, goals and ambitions. Life story work is not only about the past but also about the future.

Memory Postcards

Create postcards from important places, events or experiences. Children can write a short message about what happened and why it was memorable.

The Story Behind My Name

Explore the child's name, nicknames and what they mean to them. This can be a simple but powerful identity activity.

My Strength Shield

Design a shield featuring strengths, talents, achievements and qualities the child is proud of. Adults can contribute positive messages to help build self-esteem and confidence.

Places I've Lived

Explore the places the child has lived and spent time. Include photographs, drawings, maps and memories to build an understanding of their journey and experiences.

Map of Me

Create a personal map using houses, roads and landmarks to represent different people, places, experiences and memories that are important to the child.

My Time Capsule

Create a collection of photographs, letters, drawings and mementos that capture who the child is right now. The time capsule can be revisited in the future to reflect on growth and change.

Letter to My Future Self

Support the child to write a letter to their future self. They might include hopes, dreams, favourite things, important memories and advice they want to remember in years to come.

My Playlist

Create a playlist of songs that have been important at different stages of life. Music often connects people to memories, feelings and experiences.