Lifecard
Represents a quantum leap forward in storing a childs crucial life story information safely. Developed with young people and porfessionals, Lifecard is a computer program which allows a child or young person access to their personal life story information which can include important records, certificates, video diaries, sound clips or indeed any information that can be stored in digital form.
Because the information is securely stored on a central server, and accessed with a personal code, even losing the Lifecard cant affect the safety of the information.
We really do think we have got a breakthrough here, says Gary Daniels, Director of Youth Media. Life story information is a very important part of the healing process for a child because it explains their links to their birth parents and their past. Yet it was sometimes getting lost or mislaid. This will guarantee that it is here for ever.
Research has proven that to help build a solid identity, children need to understand their family history and to have accurate details of their own early life - when children go through the process of fostering and adoption, these vital links to the early parts of a child’s life can easily be lost.
When birth parents are no longer there to answer questions, how can children find out about their own first words, how their name was chosen, and the traditions which were special in their home? More seriously the child’s vital medical history will need to be preserved, and how they learn about and come to understand the situation which has caused the separation from their parents.
The LifeCard is a concept developed in partnership with Liverpool City Council, a method to help save vital information as well as mementoes electronically. It was soon recognised as a useful way of recording digital imagery and media such as sound and video which is easily updated and stored.
The LifeCard is innovative, in that it relies on new technologies available to allow it to store the child’s information securely on a central server. The child and their adoptive parents can access their information with a username and password. All information is presented in an interactive, and easy to use fashion.
Using the LifeCard will support the child in remembering both the good times, and allowing them to face and accept the bad. If the birth parents so chooses, they can write a letter or leave a digital recording. This message can be left in the safety deposit box which can only be accessed when the time is right.
Some parents will find it easier to take video recordings and this is a good idea so that the child can have sounds of their birth Mother and Father, perhaps in a conversation, singing or telling stories. This will be a treasure in the future for your child who will access the LifeCard.
For the birth parents, the LifeCard will contain in their words, their memories of their child, and their hopes for their child’s future. It is something tangible which you can prepare, so that whatever the future holds, the child will have their family history and valuable information which is so easily lost when there are major changes in the child’s life.
The project commenced in Summer 2002 and was launched on the 8th July 2003 at an organised seminar in Liverpool. The conference was attended by may local authorities and key organisations who were given the opportunity to explore the capabilities of the LifeCard program .
What the Lifecard Package Includes
Lifecard multiple authorisation licence (Site Licence) including Lifecard Control Panel integration programming on-site.
- Full training with Lifecard administration tools, including supporting peripherals, i.e. digital equipment.
Further information about the project is available on the website at www.lifecard.org.uk
Images
Fostering and Adoption - LifeCard
Video Case Study Available
