Foster children’s stories preserved
MEMORIES and life stories of adopted children are being preserved thanks to a specialist worker who supports them and their new parents.
Leicestershire County Council said it has 34 children waiting for adoption, including four sibling groups.
Michelle Smith helps them and children like them by developing life story books and offering extensive support to adopters.
She said: “Life story work is vitally important and is about giving adopted children a narrative they can understand about their early life experiences.
“It is hoped that by having a dedicated service committed to hearing and preserving memories in a way that is accessible and meaningful to children, adoptive parents will have the tools to help their child understand their identity and where they have come from.
“I work with birth parents, grandparents, foster carers, social workers, health visitors, even midwives who have delivered the child.
“I hold information-sharing meetings where photographs and memories are added into a child’s memory box and life story book, which is given to adopters.”
All families who adopt through Leicestershire County Council are offered one-to-one sessions with the life story support worker focusing on telling their child’s story.
Michelle added: “It helps to make sure parents are happy with how to word answers to certain questions and can be particularly helpful for difficult stories about children’s pasts.
“My role ensures that children have precious memories respectfully preserved.”