Life Story Books for Adopted and Fostered Children, Second Edition

Joy Rees has the gift of explaining theoretical concepts in a straightforward and jargon-free manner and of empowering adults - whether social workers, adopters or foster carers - to feel confident in tackling what is a complex and sensitive task. Joy’s book is a practical guide and includes a wealth of examples of ways to frame sad and difficult stories without leaving the child feeling responsible. – Jeanne Kaniuk OBE, Managing Director, Coram AdoptionThis book has been my go-to guide in terms of constructing family friendly life stories since its publication - I’m thrilled to see that this second edition broadens the scope to include children in foster care or special guardianship arrangements, as well as adoption, as Rees’ model fits them perfectly. Busy practitioners will love the selection of sensitively written sample stories that will prove invaluable in ensuring all children who need them have timely access to a child-friendly life story book - a book that their adopters and carers will use with confidence to support their children to integrate their histories. – Katie Wrench, Co-author ‘Life Story Work with Children who are Fostered and Adopted’ (JKP, 2013) and author of ‘Helping Vulnerable Children and Adolescents to Stay Safe – Building Protective Behaviours’ (JKP, 2016)

Joy Rees has 40 years’ experience as a social worker specialising in children. She recently retired as manager of a London borough adoption and permanence team and is now an independent consultant and trainer.