Perception of social workers regarding life story work with children

Abstract

The aim of this article was to explore how social workers perceived life story work. Narrative therapy was used as the theoretical framework of this study, which followed a qualitative descriptive design. Six registered social workers from registered child and youth care centres in the Northern and Southern suburbs of Cape Town were purposefully selected for this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that social workers perceived life story work as essential for children in alternative care in South Africa. The findings support the theoretical framework of this study, which is the ability of narrative therapy to assist children in care to form identities and a sense of belonging. Therefore, social workers are encouraged to utilise life story work with children in care centres. Training would enable social workers to effectively implement life story work activities in social services in the African context.