Transforming identity: The power of digital life story work for children in care

In the UK, over 80,000 children are in care, many of whom face unique challenges in developing their identity. Digital life story work has emerged as a critical tool to support children in piecing together their past, understanding their present, and shaping their future.

By leveraging technology, this innovative approach empowers children in care to build resilience, foster emotional well-being, and create a strong sense of self.

The importance of preserving memories

For children in care, memories serve as the roots that ground their identity. However, frequent transitions between foster placements and schools can lead to fragmented narratives and a loss of important life events. 

Digital life story platforms provide a secure space to record and preserve memories, including photos, videos, and personal reflections, ensuring these invaluable pieces of a child’s story are never lost. This continuity helps children develop a cohesive understanding of their journey, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Supporting emotional wellbeing

Psychological research underscores the link between identity and emotional health. Children in care who have access to positive autobiographical memories are better equipped to regulate emotions and are less vulnerable to depression (Askelund et al., 2019). Digital tools enable children to revisit their memories in a safe and empowering way, helping them process emotions, build resilience, and reduce feelings of confusion or alienation.

Furthermore, having a secure understanding of their life story can provide children with a sense of continuity, which is critical in managing the disruptions that often characterise life in care. As Schofield and Beek (2005) noted, a strong identity provides stability amidst instability, allowing children to better navigate the challenges they face.

Building relationships and social skills

A strong identity is also essential for forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Children in care often experience disruptions in their social environments, making it difficult to build meaningful connections.

By helping children understand who they are, digital life story work lays the foundation for positive social engagement. When children feel secure in their identity, they are more likely to build trusting relationships with peers and caregivers, fostering emotional support and social development (McWey, Acock, & Porter, 2010).

Long-term benefits

The benefits of digital life story work extend far beyond childhood. Adults who grew up in care and developed a strong identity are more likely to experience stable employment, healthy relationships, and overall life satisfaction (Courtney et al., 2004). 

By empowering children to understand and own their life stories, these tools set the stage for long-term success, breaking cycles of instability and contributing to positive outcomes.

A call to action

As the UK continues to improve outcomes for children in care, digital life story work represents a vital step forward. By investing in these tools, fostering agencies and local authorities can provide children with the roots they need to ground themselves in their identity and the wings to soar towards their potential. 
It’s time to ensure that every child in care has the opportunity to preserve their story, build resilience, and embrace their future with confidence.

The Fostering Network is proud to partner with CaringLife to provide digital life story work to children in care in the UK.  For further information about CaringLife, go to www.caringlife.com or email hello@caringlife.com 

References

•    Askelund, A. D., et al. (2019). Positive memory specificity is associated with reduced vulnerability to depression. Nature Human Behaviour. DOI: 10.1038/s41562-018-0504-3.
•    Courtney, M. E., Terao, S., & Bost, N. (2004). Midwest evaluation of the adult functioning of former foster youth. Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.
•    McWey, L. M., Acock, A., & Porter, B. E. (2010). The impact of continued contact with biological parents upon the mental health of children in foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(10), 1338-1345.
•    Schofield, G., & Beek, M. (2005). Risk and resilience in long-term foster care. British Journal of Social Work, 35(8), 1283-1301.
•    Williams, J. M. G., et al. (2007). Autobiographical memory specificity and emotional disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 122-148. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.122.