Life Journey Work for Professionals
Life Journey Work supports adopted children and young people to understand their story in a way that is honest, age-appropriate and supportive. As an ongoing process, it plays an important role in helping children develop their sense of identity, emotional wellbeing and understanding as they grow.
For professionals working in adoption, Life Journey Work plays an important role in supporting children and families to explore their story over time. It helps ensure that children receive clear, thoughtful information about their past and the people who are important in their lives.
If you are an Adopter or a Family Member, please visit the Life Journey Work for Adopters and Family Members page.
LJW Framework and Good Practice Guide
Guidance to support consistent, high-quality Life Journey Work across Wales.
Framework & Good Practice Guide
Resources for professionals
Practical tools, examples and guidance to support Life Journey Work practice.
Resources for professionals
LJW newsletters and bulletins
Updates, practice guidance and focused bulletins on specific Life Journey Work themes.
LJW newsletters and bulletinsWhen to ask for support
Life Journey Work can raise complex questions for children, adopters and professionals. It may be helpful to seek additional support or discussion if:
• Families feel unsure about what information to share or when.
• A child begins asking new or challenging questions about their history.
• Conversations around identity, loss or relationships feel difficult to navigate.
• There are questions about how contact with birth family or siblings connects to a child’s life story.
Adoption teams and colleagues across the National Adoption Service can provide support, guidance and shared learning to help professionals approach Life Journey Work in a thoughtful and consistent way.
Need more support?
If you would like to discuss Life Journey Work, access further resources, or explore support for families you are working with, you can contact your local adoption service or the National Adoption Service for guidance.
